Recipe Research!
For my upcoming bakes, I wanted to do some research beforehand to explore different recipes and ways to use sourdough starter so I could decide what I wanted to bake next. My favourite way to find baking recipes is through Pinterest, so I used this platform to research different options by searching “baking recipes using sourdough starter.” I was amazed by the variety of ways sourdough starter can be incorporated into other forms of baking, as I found so many recipes beyond traditional bread. For example, I found recipes for brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and pumpkin muffins that all use active sourdough starter. Beyond these options, I also found a variety of bread recipes that were different from a traditional loaf, including everything bagels, focaccia bread, breadsticks, and English muffins. It was very interesting to discover how versatile sourdough starter can be and how many different types of baking I could choose from.
I decided that I want to bake “Cinnamon Roll Focaccia” to combine both types of recipes into one. This recipe takes the shape and format of traditional focaccia bread but incorporates the sweet flavours of a cinnamon roll. I chose this recipe because it does not require an extended bulk fermentation period and can be made in a single day. This was one of the biggest challenges I experienced when baking my first sourdough loaf, as finding the time to complete the entire process over two days was difficult with my busy schedule. Annabell, the recipe creator, mentions that “the recipe breaks a lot of sourdough rules.” For example, she uses stainless steel mixing bowls, shorter fermentation times, no overnight cold proof in the fridge, and only two sets of stretch and folds. I appreciated that this recipe did not overcomplicate the process and seemed more accessible for beginner bakers or those who may not have as much experience working with sourdough. I was excited to try a recipe that challenged some of the traditional sourdough baking methods while still using my starter!
I am hoping this recipe turns out to be successful, easy to follow and delicious so I can recommend it to other busy university students who are interested in trying sourdough baking! I have attached the recipe link below for anyone who would like to give it a try. All credits go to Annabell from @honeycombbaking for creating the recipe!!