Prep 20min (+20min cooling time)Bake 18-20minMakes about 40

These crackers have a lovely nuttiness (thanks to both the wholemeal flour and walnuts) to them, perfect to serve with a creamy blue-vein cheese. They would also make a great gift, sealed in an airtight jar and accompanied by some cheese and a good bottle of red.

Prep 15min (+20min chilling time)Makes 8-10 serves

This pastry is rich, flavoursome and dead easy to make. It has a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture, adding a beautiful richness to fruit-based pies. Avoid using with custard-based pies, as it will be too rich, and it's too fragile to use in free-form pies.

Ingredients

250g (1⅔ cups) plain flour
2 tablespoons caster sugar
good pinch of salt
180g cold unsalted butter, cubed
125 ml (½ cup) sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

Method

1. Place the flour, sugar, salt and butter in the bowl of a food processor and process until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add the sour cream and vanilla bean paste and use the pulse button to process briefly until the mixture just forms a ball.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured, cool benchtop and shape into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes to rest. Use as directed in this Rhubarb and Apple Pie.

Prep 1hr (+ 45min cooling and 1-1.5hr chilling time)Bake 20minMakes 12-14 serves

If you're a chocoholic this cake is heaven. And if you're not, it's still heaven! Wickedly rich and strikingly handsome, this layered centrepiece demands attention no matter what the celebration.

Ingredients

Cake layers
melted butter, to grease
250g butter, cubed, softened
330g (1½ cups) caster sugar
3 teaspoons natural vanilla essence or extract
4 eggs
225g (1½ cups) plain flour
225g (1½ cups) self-raising flour
250ml (1 cup) milk
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon boiling water, cooled

Dark chocolate layer
30g (¼ cup) Dutch cocoa powder, sifted and combined with 60ml (¼ cup) hot tap water, cooled

Milk chocolate layer
1½ tablespoons Dutch cocoa powder, sifted and combined with 1½ tablespoons hot tap water, cooled

Light chocolate layer
2 teaspoons Dutch cocoa powder, sifted and combined with 2 teaspoons hot tap water, cooled

Whipped chocolate ganache
500g good-quality dark chocolate (45-54% cocoa), chopped
300ml pure (pouring / thin) cream

Chocolate drip icing
100g good-quality dark chocolate (45-54% cocoa), chopped
100ml pure (think / pouring) cream
2 tablespoons corn syrup

Method

1. To make the cake layers, preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan-forced). Grease four shallow 20cm round cake tins with melted butter and line the bases with non-stick baking paper.
2. Prepare the dark, milk and light chocolate layer mixtures and set aside.
3. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until pale and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition (the mixture will look curdled at this stage).
4. Sift together both the flours. Combine the milk and coffee mixture. Add half the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat on lowest possible speed until just combined. Add the milk and coffee mixture and beat on lowest possible speed until just combined and then beat in the remaining flour mixture until just combined.
5. Divide the cake batter between four bowls (each will have about 360 g of mixture). Add the Dark chocolate layer mixture to one portion and stir gently to combine. Add the Milk chocolate layer mixture to one portion and stir gently to combine. Add the Light chocolate layer mixture to one portion and stir gently to combine. Leave the fourth portion as it is
6. Spoon each of the batters into a prepared tin and smooth the surface with the back of a spoon. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Swap the cake tins around and bake for a further 5 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centres comes out clean.
7. Stand the cakes in the tins for 5 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool (this will take about 30 minutes).
8. To make the whipped chocolate ganache, put the chocolate and cream in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir often with a metal spoon just until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Immediately remove the bowl from the saucepan, cover with plastic wrap and place the fridge for 1-1½ hours, stirring briefly about every 5 minutes, or until cooled and thickened to a spreadable consistency. Use an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to whisk the chocolate mixture in a medium bowl on low speed for 1-2 minutes or until light and fluffy (be careful not to over whisk).
9. To assemble the cake, set aside about a quarter of the Whipped chocolate ganache in a bowl for piping. Place the Dark chocolate cake layer, top side down on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread evenly with about ⅓ cup of the remaining Whipped chocolate ganache. Repeat with the remaining cake layers (from darkest to lightest) with about ⅓ cup of the ganache between each. Spread the remaining buttercream over the top and sides of the cake, using a large palette knife to smooth. Place the cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.
10. To make the chocolate drip glaze, place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set aside. Combine the cream and corn syrup in a small saucepan and heat over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until almost simmering. Pour over the chocolate and set aside for 1 minutes. Stir until smooth and well combined. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until almost cooled to room temperature.
11. Spoon the chocolate drip glaze onto the center of the chilled cake and use the back of a metal tablespoon to spread to cover. Gently push some of the glaze over the edge all the way around to form a drip pattern. Se aside in a cool spot for about 15 minutes or until the glaze is set before cutting.

This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column Bakeproof: Celebration Cakes. Click here for more Bakeproof columns and recipes.

Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 30min (+ 50min chilling time)Bake 12min (per batch)Makes about 80

Along with lemon, these melt-in-the-mouth biscuits are scented with rosemary’s distinct, yet subtle, earthy and slightly sweet flavour. The clever imprinting of rosemary sprigs of the dough gives a gorgeous finish to these sweet, buttery mouthfuls.

Ingredients

250g butter, cubed and softened slightly
165g (¾ cup) granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons extra to sprinkle
1 egg yolk
335g (2¼ cups) plain flour
1½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary (see Baker’s Tips)
1 lemon, rind finely grated
small rosemary sprigs, to imprint biscuits

Method

1. Line 3 large oven trays with baking paper.
2. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar for about 1 minute or until starting to become pale and creamy but not too aerated (do not over mix). Beat in the egg yolk, rosemary and lemon until just combined.
3. Add the flour to the butter mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap separately in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.
4. Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll a portion of dough out on a lightly floured bench top until 4 mm thick. arrange the rosemary sprigs over the dough and lightly roll over with the rolling pin to imprint. Remove the rosemary sprigs and reserve. Use a 4.5cm fluted round biscuit cutter to cut the dough into rounds and place on the lined trays, rerolling, imprinting and cutting out any off cuts. Repeat with the remaining portion of dough. Sprinkle the biscuits liberally with the extra sugar.
5. Place the trays in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.
6. Preheat oven to 170°C (150°C fan-forced)
7. Bake 2 trays of the biscuits in preheated oven for 12 minutes, swapping the trays around half way through baking, or until pale golden and cooked through. Cool on the trays. Repeat with the remaining tray of biscuits, baking in the center of the oven.

This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column Bakeproof: Christmas Baking with Fresh Herbs. Click here for more Bakeproof columns and recipes.

Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 1hr (+ 2hr cooling time)Bake 30minMakes 10-12 serves

Fragrant, sweet and fresh, basil brings something truly special to this festive trifle. Layers of vanilla buttercake soaked with a basil and lemon syrup, creamy basil-infused custard and roasted strawberries make for a wonderful combination in this impressive dessert… I promise one serve won’t be enough!

Ingredients

125 ml (½ cup) pure (pouring / thin) cream 
Small fresh basil leaves, to decorate

Buttercake
110g (¾ cup) self-raising flour
75g (½ cup) plain flour
165g (¾ cup) caster sugar
125g butter, softened
80ml (⅓ cup) milk
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract or essence

Basil-infused custard
500ml (2 cups) milk
125ml (½ cup) pure (pouring / thin) cream
20 medium fresh basil leaves
75g (⅓ cup) caster sugar
2 tablespoons cornflour, sifted
3 egg yolks, lightly whisked
1 teaspoon natural vanilla essence or extract

Roasted strawberries
1kg strawberries, hulled and halved if large
75g (⅓ cup) caster sugar

Basil and lemon syrup
165g (¾ cup) caster sugar
125ml (½ cup) water
10 medium fresh basil leaves
60ml (¼ cup) strained fresh lemon juice

Method

1. To make the Basil-infused custard, put the milk, cream and basil leaves into a medium saucepan. Bring just to a simmer over a medium heat. Remove from heat and stand for 30 minutes to infuse. Remove the basil leaves. Use a balloon whisk to whisk the sugar and cornflour together in a heatproof bowl. Gradually whisk in the milk mixture until smooth and well combined. Whisk in the egg yolks. Return to the heat and stir constantly with the whisk over medium heat until the mixture thickens and just comes to a simmer. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pass the custard through a sieve into a heatproof bowl. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or until chilled.
2. To make the Buttercake, preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease a 20 x 30 cm (base measurement) shallow cake tin and line the base and two longs sides with one piece of baking paper.
3. Place both the flours, sugar, butter, milk, eggs and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 3 minutes or until the mixture is smooth, creamy and very pale in colour. Spoon the mixture into the lined tin and spread evenly using the back of a spoon. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer. Cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then turn onto a wire rack to cool.
4. To make the Roasted strawberries, preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Toss the strawberries with the sugar in a bowl. Spread over an oven tray in a single layer. Roast in preheated oven for 10 minutes, stirring gently after 5 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft but still holding their shape. Set aside to cool.
5. To make the Basil and lemon syrup, combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and site over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the basil, bring to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes or until reduced slightly. Stir in the lemon juice. Set aside to cool.
6. To assemble the trifle, use a balloon whisk or a hand held electric whisk on medium speed to whisk the cream in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Cut the buttercake into 3cm cubes and place half of the cake over the base of a 2-3 liter (8-12 cup) serving dish. Drizzle the cake with half the Basil and lemon syrup. Spread half the Basil-infused custard over the top. Spoon half the Roasted strawberries over the custard and then top with all of the whipped cream. Repeat the layering with the remaining ingredients finishing with the roasted strawberries. Decorate with the basil leaves and serve in large scoops.

This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column Bakeproof: Christmas Baking with Herbs. Click here for more Bakeproof columns and recipes.

Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 25minBake 25minMakes about 12

Often gluten-free muffins have little substance – they lack not only flavour but also texture. These ones however, thanks to a clever combination of gluten-free flours, along with three forms of coconut and loads of fruit, will not disappoint. They are also dairy-free.

Ingredients

200g (1⅓ cups) brown rice flour
40g (¼ cup) quinoa flour
30g (¼ cup) arrowroot
1 tablespoon gluten-free baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
135g (¾ cup) coconut sugar
75g (¾ cup) desiccated coconut
200g frozen mixed berries, such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries (see Baker's Tips)
2 eggs, at room temperature
160ml (⅔ cup) coconut milk
80g coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract or essence
2 large (about 200 g each) ripe bananas
extra thawed frozen and/or fresh berries (optional), to decorate
icing sugar (optional), to sprinkle

Topping
25g (¼ cup) flaked coconut
2 tablespoons coconut sugar

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 190ºC (170ºC fan-forced). Line 12 x 80ml (⅓ cup) muffin tray holes with muffin paper cases.
2. Sift together the flours, baking powder and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the sugar and desiccated coconut. Gently stir in the frozen berries.
3. Use a fork to whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, coconut oil, vinegar and vanilla until well combined. Mash the bananas and then stir them into the egg mixture. Add to the flour mixture and use a spatula or large metal spoon to fold together until just combined, being careful not to break up the berries. Spoon the mixture into the paper cases, dividing evenly.
4. To make the topping, combine the coconut and sugar and sprinkle over the muffins.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the muffins are golden and cooked when tested with a skewer. Cool for 3 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature topped with the extra berries and dusted with icing sugar, if desired.

This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column Bakeproof: Gluten-free baking. Click here for more Bakeproof columns and recipes.

Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 30min (+1.5hr cooling time)Bake 1hr 10minMakes 1

This bread is almost the complete opposite of most commercially made gluten-free breads - wonderfully substantial (it won’t ‘dissolve’ in your mouth), moist and flavoursome without containing any gums. The key is the inclusion of psyllium husks and chia seeds to give the dough flexibility and structure in the absence of gluten. It’s great fresh, but toasting really brings out the nuttiness of the flours used.

Ingredients

150g (1 cup) sorghum flour
75g (½ cup) millet flour
70g (½ cup) brown rice flour
65g (½ cup) sweet (glutinous) rice flour
90g (½ cup) fine polenta
1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
625ml (2½ cups) lukewarm water
7g (1 sachet) instant dried yeast
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons light olive oil, plus extra to grease
25g (⅓ cup) psyllium husks
50g (¼ cup) chia seeds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, to coat and sprinkle 

Method

1. Combine the sorghum, millet, brown rice and sweet rice flours, polenta and salt in a large bowl.
2. Combine 60 ml (¼ cup) of the lukewarm water, yeast and 1 tsp of the honey in a small dish and whisk to combine with a fork. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 5 minutes or until frothy.
3. Meanwhile, use a balloon whisk to whisk together the remaining 560 ml (2¼ cups) luke warm water, remaining honey, olive oil, psyllium husks and chia seeds until evenly combined. Set aside for 3 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Whisk the yeast mixture into the psyllium husk mixture. Add to the dry ingredients and use a wooden spoon to mix to a soft, slightly sticky dough.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 1½ hours or until risen slightly and is spongy in texture.
6. Grease a 11.5 cm x 21 cm (base measurement) loaf tin with a little extra oil and sprinkle with 1½ tbsp of the sesame seeds to coat lightly. Turn the dough onto a bench top, shape into a 20 cm log and place in the greased tin. Brush the top with a little water and sprinkle with the remaining sesame seeds. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside and place in a warm, draught-free place for 1 hour or until well risen.
7. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
8. Use a sharp knife to cut 4 diagonal slits across the top of the loaf. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes or until golden, cooked through and sounds hollow when tapped on the top.
9. Turn the loaf out onto a wire rack and set aside to cool completely - this will take about 1½ hours) before slicing.

This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column Bakeproof: Gluten-free baking. Click here for more Bakeproof columns and recipes.

Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 40min (+1hr cooling and 10min standing time)Bake 1hrMakes 40

These mouthfuls of chocolate sweetness are simply too cute for words! The meringue mixture is made using the Swiss meringue method of heating the egg whites and sugar together over a bain marie until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot before whisking. Don’t be tempted to cut the whisking time with this method as the meringue structure won’t be fully formed until it is cooled completely and you will end up with little pools of shapeless meringue on your tray once piped instead of petite ‘kisses’.

Ingredients

Chocolate swirl meringues 
4 egg whites
220g (1 cup) caster sugar
1 teaspoon natural vanilla essence or extract
1½ tablespoons Dutch cocoa powder

Caramel ganache 
100g good-quality dark (70% cocoa) chocolate, finely chopped
55g (¼ cup) caster sugar
2 tablespoon water
100ml pure (pouring/thin) cream
20g salted butter, cubed

Method

1. Preheat oven to 110°C (non fan-forced). Line a large oven tray with non-stick baking paper.
2. Combine the egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure the bowl fits snugly in the saucepan and the base doesn’t touch the water). Stir with a whisk until the sugar is dissolved completely and the mixture reaches 55°C on a sugar thermometer.
3. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed for 10 minutes or until very thick and glossy and the mixture has cooled completely to room temperature. Whisk in the vanilla.
4. Transfer the meringue mixture to a large wide bowl. Sift the cocoa powder over the top of the meringue mixture and use a spatula to fold the mixture 2-3 times to roughly swirl the cocoa powder through.
5. Carefully spoon the meringue into a large piping bag fitted with a plain 11mm (#11) nozzle. Holding the piping tip about 1cm from the lined tray, pipe small ‘kisses’ about 3cm in diameter and 2cm apart on the tray.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until the meringue is crisp and hard to touch, but not coloured. Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar and cool the meringues in the oven.
7. Meanwhile, to make the Caramel Ganache, place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Combine the caster sugar and water in a small saucepan and use a wooden spoon to stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium and bring to the boil. Boil for about 10 minutes, brushing down the side of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to dissolve any sugar crystals, until the mixture turns a deep caramel. Remove immediately from the heat and carefully add the cream and butter. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined and the caramel is smooth. Pour the warm caramel over the chocolate and set aside for 1 minute. Stir with a metal spoon until smooth. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, or until cooled and thickened to a spreadable consistency. (Makes about 200ml.)
8. Spread the base of a cooled meringue with a little of the Caramel Ganache and then sandwich with another meringue. Repeat with the remaining meringues and ganache. Set aside for at least 10 minutes for the ganache to firm slightly before serving.

This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column Bakeproof: Meringue. Click here for more Bakeproof columns and recipes.

Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 25min (+1hr cooling time)Bake 40minMakes 16 serves

More a slice than a cake, I can’t believe I have only just discovered this gem from the land of the long white cloud. I can completely understand why it features fondly in the childhood memories for anyone who grew up in rural New Zealand!

Ingredients

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C). Grease a 20cm x 30cm slice tin with melted butter to grease and line the base and sides with one piece of non-stick baking paper, cutting into the corners to fit and allowing the paper to overhang the sides.
2. In an electric stand mixer, beat the butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Beat in the egg yolks until well combined. Sift together the flour and baking powder, add to the butter mixture and beat on low speed until just combined.
3. Press the biscuit base mixture into the prepared tin to cover evenly. Bake for 10 minutes or until starting to colour (the base won’t be cooked through at this stage). Remove from the oven and spread evenly with the raspberry jam. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Meanwhile, use an electric mixer with a whisk attachment to whisk the egg whites in a large clean, dry mixing bowl on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add the sugar, a spoonful at a time, whisking well on medium-high speed after each addition. Continue to whisk until the mixture is thick and glossy, the sugar has dissolved and a trailing peak forms when the whisk is lifted. Whisk in the vanilla and then use a spatula or large metal spoon to fold in the coconut until evenly combined. Spread the meringue mixture over the raspberry jam to cover. Dot the 1 tablespoon of jam over the top of the meringue and then use a tooth pick or skewer to swirl it through the meringue mixture.
5. Return the slice to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and crisp to touch on top. Place on a wire rack and allow the slice to cool in the tin (about 1 hour).
6. Use the paper to help transfer the slice to a cutting board. Cut into portions to serve.

This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column Bakeproof: Meringue. Click here for more Bakeproof columns and recipes.

Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 5 days

A practical, step-by-step guide with tips, tricks and timelines to making your own sourdough starter and baking with it.

This method is logical and simplified for beginner bakers to follow (and expert bakers to hone). While the process of making this starter is a little lengthy (at least 5 days) it isn’t difficult, if you follow the steps and take note of my tips.

The detailed steps are below, but here is a nifty quick reference to keep you on track:

Day 0
125g flour + 125g water, stand for 48 hours
↓ ↓
Day 2
1st feeding: 125g starter + 125g flour + 125g water, stand for 24 hours
↓ ↓
Day 3
2nd feeding: 125g starter + 125g flour + 125g water, stand for 24 hours
↓ ↓
Day 4
3rd feeding: 125g starter + 125g flour + 125g water, stand until doubled in size (8—24 hours)
↓ ↓
Day 5
If not doubled in size, feed every 12 hours until doubled in 8 hours or less
↓ ↓
Use 'active' starter OR store at room temperature or in fridge.

Sourdough starter method - Day 0

A young starter is quite sensitive so when establishing your sourdough starter it is important to follow the process (measuring the flour and water accurately, feeding at the suggested times, etc.) But once mature and strong, it will have more flexibility and will be more resilient to changes so don’t worry too much if you occasionally miss a feeding by a day or so or if your quantities are slightly out - just get back on track as soon as you can and your starter will bounce back.

Ingredients

Starter

125g organic wholemeal flour (see Baker’s Tips #1 and Variations)
125g bottled water, at room temperature (see Baker’s Tips #2 and #3)

To feed the starter

unbleached organic plain flour (see Baker’s Tips #1)
bottled water, at room temperature

Method

Day 0

1. Place the wholemeal flour and water in a medium bowl and stir until well combined.
2. Weigh a clean, dry jar with a lid that you are going to store your sourdough starter in and note the weight down (see Baker’s Tips #4).
3. Transfer the flour mixture to the jar, seal and set aside in a warm draught-free place (see Baker’s Tips #5) for 48 hours (see Baker’s Tips #6).

After 12 hours (see images, jar 1, from left), there won’t be much change in your mixture although a few bubbles may start to appear through the side of the jar.

After 48 hours (see images, jar 2, from left), the starter may have risen just a little and a dark skin would have formed. There may be a few bubbles on the surface and also noticeable through the side of the jar – but not always. Proceed to the first feeding.

If you don't see these signs, set aside for another 24 hours – if there are no signs of activity by then, just continue with the first feeding. The aroma will be quite unpleasant.

Variations

Baker's Tips

#1. In my experience, I’ve had the best results with starting a sourdough starter with organic wholemeal flour and then switching to unbleached organic plain flour for feeding until it is established. Once mature, you can then just switch to regular plain flour or bread flour for feeding, or even occasionally feed it with wholemeal flour again to add a little ‘nuttiness’ to its flavour.

#2. Use bottled water (or water that is filtered and has been allowed to stand uncovered for at least 4 hours for the chlorine to dissipate) to give your sourdough starter the best possible chance of success.

#3. It’s a good idea to embrace measuring both your flour and water in grams when making and maintaining your sourdough starter. It is the most accurate way of measuring and will give you the best possible chance of success.

#4. A sourdough starter can be mixed and kept in a non-reactive container such as a glass jar. Look for one that has straight sides and a reasonable sized mouth to make mixing easy. This starter recipe will need a jar that has a capacity of at least 1 litre (4 cups) and, before making your starter, ensure that it is very clean and dry. It’s a good idea to note the weight of your jar so that it is easy to calculate how much sourdough starter you need to remove and discard every time you feed it.

#5. The ideal temperature for proving sourdough starter is between 21°C-23.5°C (70ºF-74ºF). Don’t be tempted to keep the starter at higher temperatures to accelerate the process as it won’t necessarily mean you will get a better result. Higher temperatures can encourage more ‘bad’ bacteria to grow than the ‘good’ ones, which will ultimately ruin the starter. If your kitchen is cold, I find placing it under the stove rangehood with the light on or on top of the fridge gives a warm (but not too warm), consistent temperature.

#6. After each feeding, it’s a good idea to mark the side of the jar with tape (or an elastic band) so you can see how much it grows in the specified time.

Sourdough starter method - Day 2

First feeding after 48 hours

1. Remove and discard all but 125g of the sourdough starter from the jar.
2. Add 125g plain flour and 125g water to the jar and stir well to combine.
3. Use a clean spatula to scrape the sides of the jar down to clean (see Baker’s Tips #7).
4. Seal the jar and set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 24 hours.

After the first feeding and rise, the starter would have risen slightly (up to 50%) (see images, jar 3, from left) and random bubbles will be visible on the surface as well as through the side of the jar indicating the wild yeast is active and starting the multiply.

Baker's Tips

#7. Make sure you scrape down the side of the jar after every feed – this will make it easier to see how much the starter has risen each time.

Sourdough starter method - Day 3

Second feeding after 24 hours

1. Remove and discard all but 125g of the sourdough starter from the jar.
2. Add 125g plain flour and 125g water to the jar and stir well to combine.
3. Use a clean spatula to scrape the sides of the jar down to clean.
4. Seal the jar and set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 24 hours.

After the second feeding and rise there will be more visible bubbles but they will be smaller and more uniform (see images, jar 4, from left). The aroma will be less pungent and a little sweeter.

Sourdough starter method - Day 4

Third feeding after 24 hours

1. Remove and discard all but 125g of the sourdough starter from the jar.
2. Add 125 g plain flour and 125g water to the jar and stir well to combine.
3. Use a clean spatula to scrape the sides of the jar down to clean.
4. Seal the jar and set aside in a warm, draught-free place until doubled in size (8-24 hours, depending on the strength of your sourdough).

Sourdough starter method - Day 5

Depending on the strength of your sourdough and how quickly it ferments it may double in size in less than 24 hours. You may also notice that once it doubles it starts to lose volume and falls back on itself indicating that it needs regular feeding from this point.

If your starter has not doubled in 24 hours or less, continue the discarding and feeding process every 12 hours until it has the ability to double in size in 8 hours or less. When it does, it is now "active" and ready to use, or store in the fridge to be used at a later date (see Baker’s Tips #8).

Baker's Tips

#8. A young starter is quite sensitive so when establishing your sourdough starter it is important to follow the process (measuring the flour and water accurately, feeding at the suggested times, etc.) But once mature and strong, it will have more flexibility and will be more resilient to changes so don’t worry too much if you occasionally miss a feeding by a day or so or if your quantities are slightly out - just get back on track as soon as you can and your starter will bounce back.

What's that smell? Aroma changes in sourdough starter

When making and establishing a sourdough starter you will notice that the aromas it gives off change quite considerably from one day to the next. This is because the bacteria present is changing and ‘settling’.

To start, in the first day or so, it can smell quite foul but will mellow with subsequent feedings and over time the smell will become slightly tangy and sweet and then more sour. You will also notice once the sourdough starter has matured and is more stable, the aroma will become more consistent too.

The aroma will also change depending on where it is in the feeding cycle once established, mature and healthy; it will have a slightly sweet scent when first fed, and will become more sour as it stands and ripens ready for use.

Sourdough starters can be unpredictable

Remember all sourdough starters are different. There are so many things that can vary while making a sourdough starter (including the type of wild yeast and bacteria present, the temperature the starter is held at, etc.) and ultimately this will affect how long it takes for your starter to become mature.

Sometimes, a starter may seem to be on the right track and then, for whatever reason, it doesn’t progress at all. If yours doesn’t reflect the exact description above, don’t lose heart, be patient and keep repeating the feeding process every 12 hours until your starter reflects the Day 5 description before you move onto maintaining, storing and using it.

How to use your sourdough starter in your baking

To make sure your sourdough starter is strong and 'active' enough to use in baking, you will need to feed, maintain and store it. Click here to find out how.

Once your starter is ready to use, this Basic sourdough bread recipe is a well-tested recipe to begin your sourdough baking.

This recipe is part of Anneka's SBS Food Bakeproof: Sourdough online column. For more Bakeproof columns and recipes, click here.

Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 1hr (+12-14hrs / overnight + 30min standing, 8.5-10hrs proving and 1hr cooling time)Bake 45-50minMakes 2 standard loaves

This is a well-tested recipe to begin your sourdough baking. It's made with white flour but you can use spelt instead.

This recipe is one I have made many times with great results. Before you get started, read over my tips and tricks for making and baking sourdough bread.

It does take at least 24 hours from start to finish but time is what helps create a great loaf of sourdough. I have included some time variations throughout to allow the making of this sourdough fit more easily into your day. This dough is folded six times (not kneaded) with rests in between. Below is a timeline to help you map out your day of baking:

Feed your sourdough starter to get it active, 4–8 hours
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Make levain, stand 12 hours (overnight)
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Mix levain + dough, stand 1 hour
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1st folding, prove 30 minutes
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2nd folding, prove 30 minutes
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3rd folding, prove 30 minutes
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4th folding, prove 30 minutes
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5th folding, prove 30 minutes
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6th folding, prove 1 hour (or up to 4 hours)
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Cut into loaves, prove 1—2 hours
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Shape loaves, prove 2—3 hours
(OR prove 1 hour, then transfer to fridge for 12-14 hours)
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Bake at 240ºC for 20 minutes, then 220ºC for 20-25 minutes
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Cool (1 hour), slice, eat!

Ingredients

Strong bread or pizza flour (12-15% protein content), for dusting
Rice flour, for preparing proving baskets (optional)

Levain

Dough

Method

1. To make the levain, combine the sourdough starter, water and flour (see image 2) in a medium bowl and mix until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and stand in a warm, draught-free place (approx. 24.5- 28°C) overnight (12-14 hours). The levain should have expanded and be very bubbly and may even double (see image 3) when it is ready to use (see Baker’s Tips #1).
2. To make the dough, transfer the levain to a large bowl. Add half the water and use a balloon whisk or spatula to break up the levain until almost smooth. Stir in the remaining water. Add the flour to the levain mixture, sprinkle over the salt, and stir with a wooden spoon until combined and a very shaggy dough forms (see image 4). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draught-free place (approx. 24.5-28°C) for 1 hour.
3. Instead of kneading, you are going to stretch and fold the dough (see Baker’s Tip #2). Leave the dough in the bowl and use your fingertips to pick up the top side of the dough (furthest away from you), lift it up as you stretch it, and then fold it back on itself (see image 5). Turn the bowl a quarter turn and repeat this stretching and folding process three more times, turning the bowl after each fold. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draught-free place (approx. 24.5-28°C) for 30 minutes. Repeat this folding process five more times (which will be 6 foldings in total), resting the dough for 30 minutes between each time you fold (see Baker’s Tip #3). When you begin this process the dough will be unevenly textured and shaggy in appearance but will become less so as you continue to stretch, fold and rest/prove. Once all six folding, stretching and resting processes have been completed, the dough will be very smooth, spongy and elastic (see image 6).
4. Once you have stretched and folded the dough a total of 6 times, cover and place in a warm draught-free place (approx. 24.5-28°C) for 1 hour or until well puffed (see Baker’s Tips #4).
5. Gently turn the dough out of the bowl onto a well- floured surface, being careful not to deflate it. Use a sharp knife or a pastry scraper to cut the dough in half (see image 7). Use well-floured hands or a pastry scraper to shape each dough portion into a loose round. Cover each dough round with an upturned bowl (large enough so the dough has room to rise) (see image 8) and leave to rest for 1 1⁄2-2 hours or until well puffed.
6. Dust 2 clean, loosely woven cloths or tea towels generously with flour and then use your fingers to rub the flour into the cloth (see images 9). Line two 19-22cm (top measurement) round dough proving baskets or colanders with the cloths. If using traditional proving baskets, you don’t need to line them with a cloth (particularly if you want the bread to take on the lovely pattern of the basket), just dust and rub the insides of the baskets generously with rice flour and/or bread flour.
7. Dust the top of one of the dough portions with flour. Turn it over and then use a similar folding action in Step 3 to shape into a round loaf, pulling the edges of the dough into the centre so that the dough surface underneath is tight to help shape it, only folding 6 times to help retain as much air as possible (see images 10-11). Gently turn the loaf over again (so that the smooth surface is on top) and use the palms of your hands to shape and even the round, stretching the top surface of the dough towards its base (see image 12). Be firm yet gentle when shaping the dough – you want to form the dough so it holds its shape but not be too forceful that you lose the valuable air bubbles (your technique will improve with practise). Repeat with the remaining dough portion. Dust the top of the loaves with a little more flour and use the palm of your hand to gently spread it over the top and sides to coat. Carefully turn each loaf over and lift into a proving basket or colander, top side down (see Baker’s Tip #5). If using cloths, loosely fold the overhanging edges over the dough.
8. Place each of the loaves in their baskets or colanders in sealed plastic bags (see Baker’s Tip #6). Set aside in a warm draught-free place for 2-3 hours to prove or until well risen (see Baker’s Tip #7) (see image 13).
9. Preheat the oven to 240ºC (220ºC fan-forced) (read tips here). Line two heavy baking trays with non-stick baking paper (see Baker’s Tips #8).
10. Very gently turn a loaf onto a lined tray so that you retain as much air as possible, leaving the second loaf in the proving basket (see Baker’s Tip #9). Use a bread lame or very sharp knife to score the surface of the loaf, about 1.5cm deep, in a pattern of your choice (see image 14). Dip your hand in water and flick it onto the top of the loaf to sprinkle three times. Place the loaf in the oven, thrown a small bowlful of ice cubes into the bottom of the oven and immediately close the door (see Baker’s Tip #10). Bake for 25 minutes.
11. Reduce the oven temperature to 220°C (200°C fan-forced) and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the crust is deeply coloured and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the base. Transfer the loaves to a wire rack and set aside to cool completely before slicing.

Baking in a Covered Pot

If baking your dough in a covered pot preheat it with the oven. Turn the dough out of the proving basket onto a piece of non-stick baking paper large enough to line the base and sides of the pot. Sprinkle the dough with water as in Step 10. Carefully lift the bread dough into the heated pot and score the top as desired. Cover with the lid and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the lid and bake, without reducing the oven temperature, for a further 25 minutes or until a deep golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
If wanting to brown the base crust further, remove the bread from the pot and place directly on the oven rack, without the baking paper, and bake for a further 5-10 minutes. 

Spelt sourdough variation

Baker's Tips

#1. When the levain is ready to use, a small teaspoon of it dropped into a glass of water should rise to the surface. This indicates that the levain is active and strong enough to produce enough carbon dioxide for it to be light enough to float.

#2. Stretching and folding the dough, along with the multiple resting/proving times in this recipe, replaces the kneading process to strengthen the gluten network in the dough, and produces a bread with quite large, uneven
air pockets and a great texture. The dough will be quite sticky and rubbing your fingers with a little water before stretching the dough will help stop it from sticking to them.

#3. It is particularly easy to lose track of how many times you have folded your dough. To make sure you don’t lose track, use a permanent pen to put a mark on the plastic wrap covering your dough, or write on a sticky note attached to the bowl, each time you finish a folding. Always remember to reset your timer too.

#4. In Step 4, you may need to stand/prove the dough for up to 4 hours depending on the proving temperature.

#5. Before adding the dough to the proving baskets or colanders make sure the surface of the dough is well floured – if it isn’t, it is likely to stick and the dough can lose valuable volume when you go to remove it which can result in a densely textured bread.

#6. Recycled plastic shopping bags or large snaplock bags work well to seal the dough in the basket or colander for the last proving stage. Sealing them in the bags means that the surface of the dough won’t dry out during proving. It will also help retain some of the heat generated by the yeast fermenting, helping to create a warm environment for your dough to prove in.

#7. When ready to bake, the dough will have risen by at least 50% and when poked with a finger a small indent will be left which will spring back slightly.
In Step 8, you can prove the loaves for 1-2 hours, or until risen slightly, in a warm draught-free place and then place them in the fridge overnight for 12-14 hours, if you wish. Stand the dough at room temperature in the baskets for 2-4 hours before turning out and baking.

#8. You can also bake the bread in a covered pot. See 'Baking in a Covered Pot' above.

#9. If you don’t have a large oven, it’s a good idea to bake the loaves separately. Leave the second loaf in the proving basket in the fridge while the first one bakes.

#10. If not baking your bread in a covered pot you can create steamy heat either by adding a tray with 1cm of water in the bottom of the oven before preheating it (as mentioned in Step 9) or by quickly throwing a bowlful of ice cubes into the bottom of your oven after adding your loaf and then immediately shutting the door. This will help give your bread the best possible ‘oven spring’ or rise when baking as well as contributing to a thick, crunchy crust (read tips here under 'Baking your Bread' to discover why).

This recipe is part of Anneka's SBS Food Bakeproof: Sourdough online column. For more Bakeproof columns and recipes, click here.

Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 45min (+ 3hr 15min proving time)Bake 14minMakes about 8

They get their name from where they originated in the city of Białystok in north-eastern Poland. They are best eaten the day they are baked (even better warm) and spread with cream cheese or butter. 

Ingredients

500ml (2 cups) lukewarm water
7g (1 sachet) instant dried yeast
2 teaspoons caster sugar
450g (3 cups) strong bread or pizza flour, plus extra to dust
340g (2¼ cups) plain flour
3 teaspoons fine salt
olive oil, to grease 

Onion and poppy seed topping
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium brown onion, finely diced
½ teaspoon fine salt
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Method

1. Combine 60ml (¼ cup) of the lukewarm water with the yeast, sugar and 2 tablespoons of the bread flour in a small bowl and use a fork to whisk to combine. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 5 minutes or until the mixture is frothy.
2. Combine the remaining bread flour, plain flour and salt in a large bowl. Combine the yeast mixture with the remaining water, add to the flour mixture and use a wooden spoon and then your hands to mix to a soft dough.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic and springs back when you push your finger into it (see Baker’s Tips).
4. Brush a large bowl with olive oil to grease. Add the dough turning it to coat lightly with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draught-free place for 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
5. When the dough has doubled in size knock it back by punching it in the centre with your fist. Recover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draught-free place for 60 minutes or until doubled in size again.
6. Line 2 large oven trays with non-stick baking paper. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly to bring the dough together. Divide the dough evenly into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Use your hands to press, pinch and stretch a ball of dough into a disc about 12cm in diameter and 1cm thick. Repeat with the remaining balls of dough, placing them on the lined oven trays about 4cm apart. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draft-free place for 30 minutes or until risen by about half their volume.
7. Preheat the oven to 210°C (190°C fan-forced). Meanwhile, to make the onion and poppy seed topping, place the olive oil, onion and salt in a small frying pan over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until the onion is soft and starts to become golden. Remove from the heat.
8. Use lightly floured fingertips to make an indent in the centre of the dough discs, leaving a 2cm border around the outside. Spoon the onion mixture into the indents, dividing evenly, and then sprinkle with the poppy seeds. Cover with a slightly damp tea towel and set aside in a warm draught-free place for 15 minutes or until slightly puffed.
9. Bake in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through (see Baker’s Tips). Serve warm or at room temperature, spread with cream cheese or butter.

This recipe is part of Anneka's SBS Food Bakeproof: Jewish Baking online column. For more Bakeproof columns and recipes, click here.

Photography by Alan Benson.