Bread, Body & Home

artisan pies with flowers and apple in front

Sourdough Pie Crust Recipe – A Fermented Wonder

This post blends family tradition with modern sourdough baking, featuring a flaky, naturally fermented pie crust recipe. Inspired by the author’s grandmother, who baked pies in rhythm with the seasons, this recipe uses live sourdough starter for extra depth of flavor and crispness. Perfect for everyday baking, it includes step-by-step instructions, tips, and a link to the Great Lakes Stiff Sourdough Starter for those wanting to try it at home.

Posted on March 11, 2025

Lisa Robitaille

Woman slicing Freshly baked Guinness Sourdough Bread loaf with golden crust on wooden cutting board.

Guinness Sourdough Bread and the Monks Who Kept Its Secrets Alive

Guinness Sourdough Bread is more than a recipe — it’s a story of tradition, flavour, and history. This unique bread blends the bold, malty richness of Guinness stout with the tangy depth of naturally leavened sourdough. Rooted in ancient Irish baking traditions, the story of this bread weaves through the monasteries where monks preserved both brewing techniques and the art of sourdough baking. In this recipe, we honour both Ireland’s brewing heritage and the legacy of heritage grains by incorporating Red Fife flour, bringing the past into the present with every slice.

Posted on March 08, 2025

Lisa Robitaille

Bench Resting Dough in front of Round Banneton

How to Use and Care for Your Banneton: The Complete Guide

This comprehensive guide will show you everything you need to know about using and maintaining your banneton for perfect loaves every time. Learn how to properly flour your banneton, care for it to ensure its longevity, and store it correctly. We’ll walk you through the cleaning process, tips for keeping it dry, and how to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this guide will help you get the most out of your banneton for beautiful, well-shaped bread.

Posted on March 07, 2025

Lisa Robitaille

Why We Eat Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday + Recipe

Shrove Tuesday pancakes have a long, beautiful history — a tradition of using what remained in the pantry to honour the changing seasons. Whether you follow the faith or simply love pancakes, discover the meaning behind Shrove Tuesday and enjoy a naturally fermented sourdough pancake recipe to celebrate the day.

Posted on February 28, 2025

Lisa Robitaille

two windows with a blanket, tea mug and candle on a window seat

Seasonal Reflections: Embracing the Rhythms of Life

True wellness isn’t found in the constant hustle—it’s rooted in the gentle ebb and flow of life’s seasons. By aligning with nature’s rhythms, we can embrace moments of renewal, reflection, and rest. Each season offers unique inspiration, from spring’s fresh creativity to winter’s quiet introspection. Through mindful rituals, creative expression, and slowing down to listen to our inner needs, we cultivate balance and resilience. In these simple, steady moments, we find the essence of true well-being.

Posted on February 24, 2025

Ella Bigras

The Art of Sourdough: Patience, Flavour, and Tradition

Sourdough is a quiet teacher, whispering lessons of patience and care. With each fold of the dough, we learn to slow down, to breathe, and to trust the process. It’s not just bread we’re making—it’s a connection to tradition, to mindfulness, and to the simple joy of creating something with our hands. Join me in this gentle journey of flour, water, and love, where every loaf is a reminder that the most beautiful things in life take time.

Posted on February 17, 2025

Lisa Robitaille

Celebrate National Pizza Day (Late but worth the wait!)

Who needs an official holiday to enjoy pizza? At Great Lakes Sourdough, every day is a pizza celebration! In this blog, I share my favourite tips for perfect homemade pizza, from achieving a crispy crust (even without a pizza stone) to creative topping ideas that go beyond the basics. Because at the end of the day, pizza is always better when it’s shared.

Posted on February 11, 2025

Ella Bigras

Book, cup of tea, books on a wooden window sill in winter

Winter’s Quiet Invitation to Slow Living

Winter has a way of asking us to pause. As the seasons shifted from summer to autumn, I found myself slowing down, spending more time outside, and observing nature’s rhythm as it prepared for winter’s stillness. With four new backyard chickens and two spirited poodles to care for, patience became my greatest tool. Through training, observing, and embracing slow living, I discovered something I had been missing—a connection to the quiet moments where peace and presence thrive.

Posted on January 20, 2025

Lisa Robitaille

bubbly starter at peak with sourdough bread in banneton

What Is Prefermented Flour?

Discover the role of prefermented flour in sourdough baking and how it impacts flavour, fermentation, and dough structure. This guide explains why prefermented flour is key to creating tangy, airy sourdough bread and offers tips for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Posted on January 19, 2025

Lisa Robitaille

Understanding Levain Percentage for Better Sourdough

Ever wondered how to achieve that signature sourdough tang or a perfectly airy loaf? The secret lies in mastering levain percentage! This simple but powerful concept can transform your baking, helping you fine-tune flavor, texture, and rise. Whether you're a home baker just starting out or looking to elevate your sourdough game, this quick guide will show you how small tweaks can make a big difference. Let’s dive in and start baking better bread today!

Posted on August 18, 2024

Lisa Robitaille

Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a mini bakery? Our Artisan Sourdough Bread recipe is a favorite in our baking classes, and we’re thrilled to share it with you. This recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a loaf that's crispy on the outside and perfectly chewy on the inside. So grab your apron, get your hands a little floury, and let’s bake some sourdough magic together. Your taste buds—and your kitchen—will thank you!

Posted on August 18, 2024

Lisa Robitaille

Rehydrate Your Dehydrated Sourdough Starter: Quick & Easy Guide

Revive your dried sourdough starter with our simple method. Follow an easy feeding schedule to transform it into a bubbly, active culture. Learn the benefits of dehydrated starters and the science behind rehydration. Ready your starter for baking delicious sourdough bread!

Posted on August 09, 2024

Lisa Robitaille

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Bread, Body & Home