Early 2015, I got my heart set on constructing a pizza oven in my backyard – specifically for baking beautiful loaves of artisan bread.

This desire dwindled away and disappeared completely a few weeks ago, when in thinking of things I wanted for Christmas, I decided a pizza oven would be too expensive, and impractical considering that i hadn’t had the time to bake in months. I thought my passion had gone.

But last week in Bermagui, NSW, I discovered the most amazing artisan sourdough bakery, Honorbread. They let me stand at the counter and watch for 10 minutes, as well as ask questions. I was awed.

And when I inquired into the age of the starter they used in their bakery, they not only told me it is 4 years old (amazing to me, who killed both of my two starters within a few months) – they offered o give me some! Which is how I ended up with a takeout container of sourdough starter in my hot little hands.

After I returned home, I built the starter up for a few days, and last night, made up my dough.

This morning I baked it…

With more success than ever before!

A few photos to demonstrate…

That crumb shot though

Artsy loaf shots give me joy

Brekky on fresh, homemade sourdough – delish

So, a massive thank you to Honorbread bakery for your generous gift, and here’s to many more beautiful loaves!

Xx Loony