I’m dropping in with a short but worthy post about a book I can’t stop recommending.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’ve been baking sourdough for years. Usually rustic loaves and nothing too fancy. But a year or so ago I decided to expand my knowledge and get a physical book over just googling recipes. While there are so many resources out there, this one book has been such a huge success for me: Artisan Sourdough Made Simple by Emilie Raffa*.

What I love most about this book is exactly what the title promises — it keeps sourdough simple. The instructions are clear, approachable, and laid out in a way that makes the whole process feel very doable, even for busy parents or anyone who doesn’t want baking to become a full-time hobby.

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I also love that many of the recipes don’t require any mixers or lengthy stretch and fold routines. Many require just one bowl, which also keeps clean up easy.

See all my sourdough staples here.

Sourdough can feel intimidating at first, and new sourdough recipes can feel intimidating even after years of baking a go-to loaf, but Emilie does such a great job breaking down the timing and techniques into manageable steps. Instead of overwhelming you with complicated methods, she focuses on building confidence and helping you get consistent results.

And speaking of results — I’ve had success with every recipe I’ve tried so far, from baguettes to English muffins. My current favorites are the focaccia (so fluffy and flavorful with minimal effort) and the sandwich bread, which has quickly become a staple in our house. It’s soft, slices beautifully, and makes the best toast.

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Another thing I appreciate is how realistic the recipes feel for everyday life. The schedules are flexible, the ingredient lists are simple (often just flour, water, and salt to get started!), and the step-by-step guidance makes it easy to fit baking into a normal routine.

I have no doubt this post reads like a doting love letter, but I’d really go so far as to call it a game changer for my sourdough baking. If you’ve been curious about sourdough but unsure where to begin — or if you’ve tried before and felt frustrated — this is the book I would hand you without hesitation.

*I highly recommend the spiral-bound option. It allows you to lay it flat, which comes in handier than you might think.

Are you into sourdough baking?
Do you have a resource or tip that’s been a game changer for you?