The No-Starter, No-Waste, No-Cheat, No-Fail Way to Make Naturally Fermented Bread in 24 Hours or Less with a Home Proofer, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Sous Vide Cooker, or Other Warmer
# Smart Sourdough
## Part I: Introduction to Sourdough
- What is Sourdough?
- Definition and History
- Benefits of Sourdough over Commercial Yeast
- The Science Behind Sourdough Fermentation
- Getting Started with Sourdough
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Creating and Maintaining a Sourdough Starter
- Troubleshooting Common Starter Issues
## Part II: Mastering the Basics
- Understanding Ingredients
- Types of Flour and Their Roles
- Water Quality and Temperature
- Salt and Its Importance in Bread Making
- The Art of Mixing and Kneading
- Hand Mixing Techniques
- Machine Mixing Tips
- Gluten Development and Windowpane Test
- Fermentation Fundamentals
- Bulk Fermentation vs. Proofing
- Controlling Temperature and Time
- Signs of Proper Fermentation
## Part III: Shaping and Baking
- Shaping Techniques
- Basic Loaf Shapes
- Baguettes and Other Specialty Shapes
- Using Bannetons and Proofing Baskets
- Scoring and Slashing
- Purpose of Scoring
- Different Scoring Patterns
- Tools for Scoring
- Baking Methods
- Oven Setup for Optimal Results
- Steam Injection Techniques
- Baking with Dutch Ovens or Cloches
## Part IV: Advanced Techniques and Recipes
- Experimenting with Hydration Levels
- High-Hydration Doughs
- Low-Hydration Doughs
- Adjusting Recipes for Desired Texture
- Incorporating Add-ins
- Nuts, Seeds, and Grains
- Dried Fruits and Spices
- Cheese and Herbs
- Specialty Sourdough Recipes
- Sourdough Pizza and Flatbreads
- Sourdough Pancakes and Waffles
- Sourdough Pastries and Desserts
## Part V: Troubleshooting and FAQs
- Common Problems and Solutions
- Dense or Gummy Crumb
- Overproofed or Underproofed Dough
- Lack of Oven Spring
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store and Refresh a Starter
- Can I Use Whole Grain Flours Only?
- What If My Bread Doesn’t Rise?
## Part VI: Sourdough Lifestyle
- Sourdough Beyond Bread
- Sourdough Discard Recipes
- Fermented Foods and Gut Health
- Building a Sustainable Kitchen
- Sharing Your Sourdough Journey
- Joining Online Communities
- Hosting Sourdough Workshops
- Documenting Your Progress