Finding Structure in the Rise: Hannah Dela Cruz and the Power of Daily Sourdough

G’day, Rogue Bakers! Ever feel like the world’s spinning a bit too fast? Like you’re just trying to keep your head above water? That’s how Hannah Dela Cruz felt, and she found a surprising anchor in a bubbling jar of sourdough starter. I reckon there's a fair few of us who picked up sourdough during those shaky times—a little something reliable to focus on when everything else felt up in the air.

Hannah’s story, shared in the latest episode of *The Sourdough Podcast*, really resonated with me. She talks about how the simple act of feeding her starter, observing its activity, and learning something new each day became a structure, a comfort, and a distraction all rolled into one. It’s a powerful reminder that even a simple loaf of bread can offer something profound.

Now, Hannah’s not just about the comfort—she’s about expanding what sourdough can be. Her new cookbook, Sourdough Every Day, is full of innovative recipes that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about sourdough. Think beyond the basic loaf—she’s got sourdough ramen, folks! (You can grab a sourdough discard ramen recipe from Hannah over on the Sourdough Podcast website.)

What I love most about Hannah’s approach is her connection to her Filipino heritage and how that informs her understanding of good food and good bread. It's a reminder that sourdough isn't just a technique; it’s a cultural touchstone, a link to tradition, and a way to express creativity.

The podcast also highlighted the Bakers in Need Fund, a fantastic initiative started by Tyler Kartner at Wire Monkey Shop. It’s a great way to support bakers facing hardship—a true testament to the generosity and community spirit that defines our sourdough world. If you’re looking for a quality scoring tool and want to contribute to a good cause, check out the UFO lum – a portion of the proceeds goes directly to Bakers in Need.

Hannah’s journey, and the support she’s received from the sourdough community, underlines a crucial point: we're all in this together. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, there’s a wealth of knowledge and encouragement to be found within our network. Guild Masters are always keen to help navigate tricky proofing stages, or unlock that perfect crust. And if you're feeling a bit lost, remember that even a simple, daily sourdough routine can provide a surprising amount of structure and purpose.

So, what brave new challenge will *you* take on this year? I reckon it's time to dust off that starter and get baking!

Want to push your sourdough skills to the next level? Consider joining the 30-Day Sourdough Challenge. You’ll get personalized feedback, access to exclusive content, and the support of a vibrant community.