As someone who’s been baking bread for years, I thought I had sourdough all figured out. I could confidently mix my dough, shape it, and bake it. However, as any passionate baker will tell you, there’s always room to improve—and that’s what ultimately led me to the Advanced Sourdough Mastery Course at the Sourdough Baking Academy.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that this course would not only change how I approach sourdough, but it would also reignite my passion for the craft in ways I didn’t expect. Here’s how the Advanced Sourdough Mastery Course reshaped my baking journey and took my loaves to a whole new level.
A Deeper Understanding of Fermentation
When I started the course, I had a decent understanding of sourdough and how it worked. I knew the basics: mix your starter with flour and water, give it time to ferment, shape it, and bake. But the Advanced Sourdough Mastery Course really honed in on the science of fermentation, and that was a game-changer for me.
Learning the nuances of how temperature, time, and hydration levels affect fermentation gave me a whole new perspective. I began to understand the importance of different fermentation stages—like bulk fermentation and proofing—and how slight adjustments in time and technique could drastically affect the final loaf. My previous method of eyeballing things had been okay, but now I had the knowledge to make intentional, precise adjustments to my process.
Mastering the Art of Shaping and Scoring
The shaping and scoring of sourdough has always been something that intrigued me, but I never felt confident that I was doing it right. My loaves often had a beautiful crust, but the crumb inside wasn’t always perfect. The Advanced Course gave me the techniques to shape dough more effectively, ensuring a better rise and a more open crumb.
One of the standout lessons was about scoring techniques. The course taught me not only the best way to score my loaves for aesthetic appeal but also how to control the expansion of the dough during baking. It was fascinating to see how slight changes in my scoring technique impacted the final shape of the bread. My loaves now have the beautiful, characteristic “ears” of well-scored sourdough, and I feel a sense of pride every time I pull them out of the oven.
Experimenting with Hydration and Flours
Before taking the course, I used a basic recipe with a standard hydration level. I was comfortable with the results, but I never really pushed myself to try anything new. The Advanced Course encouraged me to experiment with different hydration levels and flours, such as whole wheat, rye, and spelt, and I’m so glad I did.
Learning how the different types of flours affect texture, flavor, and dough structure was fascinating. I also gained the confidence to increase the hydration of my dough, which resulted in a more open, airy crumb and a chewy, slightly tangy texture. I felt like I was finally unlocking the full potential of sourdough.
Perfecting the Baking Process
One of the most valuable lessons I took away from the Advanced Sourdough Mastery Course was how to perfect the baking process. While I had always relied on the classic method of baking in a Dutch oven, I learned new techniques for steaming, using different types of baking vessels, and adjusting the oven settings to achieve a perfect crust and crumb every time.
The instructors at the Academy also shared their insights on how to troubleshoot common baking issues, such as underbaked or overly dense bread. These tips have been invaluable for ensuring every loaf is consistently delicious, with that beautiful caramelized crust and tender, open crumb I had always dreamed of.
Why I Recommend the Advanced Course
The Advanced Sourdough Mastery Course at the Sourdough Baking Academy took my sourdough baking to an entirely new level. It pushed me to understand the craft on a deeper level, refined my technique, and gave me the confidence to experiment and innovate in ways I hadn’t before.
If you’re an experienced baker who feels like they’ve hit a plateau, I highly recommend this course. It doesn’t just teach you how to bake better sourdough—it helps you truly understand why certain techniques work, and how to adapt them to create your own perfect loaf. The Academy’s expert instructors were approachable and thorough, providing detailed feedback and personalized tips that helped me elevate my skills.
Thanks to the course, I now feel like a true sourdough pro, and my baking has never been more consistent or rewarding. If you’re looking to refine your craft and take your sourdough to the next level, the Advanced Sourdough Mastery Course is worth every penny.
Happy baking—and may your next loaf be your best one yet!