The Heirloom of Eldridge: The Legacy of Eli's Sourdough

© 2023 by: Henry Hunter All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published by: Henry Hunter ISBN:

The Heirloom of Eldridge The Legacy of Eli's Sourdough

by: Henry Hunter

Table of Contents for "The Heirloom of Eldridge: The Legacy of Eli’s Sourdough" Chapter 1: The Essence of Eldridge - Page 1​​ Chapter 2: Whispers from the Past - Page 10​​ Chapter 3: The Journey Eastward - Page 14​​ Chapter 4: A Chance Meeting on the Road - Page 17​​ Chapter 5: The Unveiling of Secrets - Page 24​​ Chapter 6: The Guardian’s Betrayal - Page 30​​ Chapter 7: Reflections in the Hearth - Page 38​​ Chapter 8: The Invitation and a New Horizon - Page 45​​ Chapter 9: A Return to the Guild - Page 53​​ Epilogue: The Path Forward - Page 60

About the Author ​Greetings, I'm Henry Hunter and my journey from the discipline of military

service to the bustling corporate world eventually led me to the serene art of bread baking. My roots in sunny South Carolina instilled in me a lifelong fascination with science and experimentation, a curiosity that eventually intertwined with my newfound passion for storytelling.

"The Heirloom of Eldridge: The Legacy of Eli's Sourdough" marks a significant departure from my first book, "Bread: A Journey Through History, Science, Art, and Community." While my initial foray into writing was an exploration of my love for baking, this novel allowed me to delve into the realms of fiction and science fiction, genres that have captivated me since childhood.

This book is a manifestation of a vivid imagination, an idea that sprung from the depths of my mind and demanded to be written. Set in the picturesque village of Eldridge, it weaves a narrative that resonates with the charm of J.R.R. Tolkien's Shire. The story is a tapestry of tradition, legacy, and the mystical allure of an ordinary sourdough starter with extraordinary secrets.

As the founder of "Making Great Bread at Home," a thriving online community, I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by supportive and inspiring individuals. Their shared wisdom and experiences have been pivotal in shaping my approach to baking and storytelling. This sense of community and connection deeply influences my writing.

In "The Heirloom of Eldridge," I endeavor to blend the simple joys of village life with the intrigue of magical realism. The novel is not just a tale of Eli's quest but a reflection of my belief in the power of legacy, the importance of heritage, and the profound connections we forge through our crafts and stories.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunities that have led me here and for the incredible people I have met along the way. I hope that this book not only entertains but also inspires readers to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, to appreciate the art of bread baking, and to cherish the stories and traditions that bind us.

The Heirloom of Eldridge “The Legacy of Eli’s Sourdough” A Short Novel by Henry Hunter

In the serene valley of Eldridge, where rolling hills whisper tales of yesteryear, lies Eli's humble bakery. It's a quaint cornerstone of tradition, nestled at the crossroads of the bustling Market Street and the tranquil Riverside Lane, just a stone's throw from the ancient Whispering Woods.

This is where Eli's Bakery, a beacon of warmth and aromas, welcomes every dawn with the promise of freshly baked loaves. Here, the art of bread-making transcends time, binding the community with each golden crust and soft crumb that Eli crafts from his cherished heirloom sourdough starter.

Chapter 1: The Essence of Eldridge In the heart of the valley, nestled among rolling hills, lay Eldridge, a village where time seemed to pause. My bakery, with its rounded doors and windows, stood as a testament to this idyllic world.

Each morning, as dawn broke, the scent of fresh bread—a blend of my great-grandfather's legacy and my touch—wafted through the air. The sourdough starter, a family heirloom, sat in its old, weathered jar atop a wooden shelf, its presence as comforting as the cobblestone streets outside.

As I prepared dough for the day, the bell above the door jingled. Mr. Jenkins, the town's postman, stepped in with a wave. “Morning, Eli! Your bread will be the highlight of my day, as always.” His words, a daily affirmation, were as much a part of my routine as the baking itself.

In the corner, Mrs. Langley and her friends gathered, their chatter weaving through the air like the delicate aroma of the bread. They often discussed village happenings, occasionally seeking my opinion, making the bakery a hub of community life.

That autumn morning, with a chill in the air foretelling winter, I reached for the jar.

My hand froze mid-air; the shelf was empty. Panic surged through me. The starter was more than an ingredient; it was a piece of my identity, intertwined with the dough I kneaded daily.

As the realization set in, I knew I had to find it. Not just for the bakery, but to reclaim a piece of my family’s legacy that was irreplaceably lost.

Chapter 2: Whispers from the Past The day passed in a blur, the absence of the starter weighing heavily on me.

Customers praised the day’s loaves, but their words felt hollow. That evening, I locked the bakery and headed to my grandmother Mabel’s cottage, the only place I might find solace and understanding.

Mabel's cottage, surrounded by a vibrant garden, was a well of family history.

“Grandma, the starter is gone,” I said as I entered, the aroma of her rosemary tea filling the room.

Mabel looked up, her knitting needles pausing mid-stitch. Her eyes, always holding a spark of old stories, now reflected my distress. As I recounted the morning’s events, she pointed towards an old wooden chest. “Your great-grandfather left something for you,” she said softly.

Inside the chest, I found a leather-bound journal, worn and aged. The pages, filled with his neat handwriting, spoke of his life as a baker and hinted at something more – a legacy beyond the bread. “Your great-grandfather, he was part of something larger—a secret guild of bakers, the Guardians of the Grain, protectors of ancient sourdough starters.”

Her revelation was a jolt, reframing my understanding of the starter. The journal held secrets, a legacy waiting to be unraveled. That night, under Mabel’s roof, my mind raced with questions and a resolve to uncover the truth. The next morning, guided by the whispers of the past in my great-grandfather’s journal, I set off beyond Eldridge, driven by a need to reclaim my family’s legacy and uncover the secrets of the sourdough starter.

Chapter 3: The Journey Eastward With a backpack carrying essentials and my great-grandfather’s old, leather-bound journal, I left Eldridge at dawn. Each step away from the village felt like a step into an unknown tale.

The road eastward led me through dense forests where sunlight played hide and seek with the shadows. My first stop was a sleepy hamlet, where I met Mr. O'Donnell, the innkeeper. His voice was gruff but warm. “You’re far from home, lad. What brings you to these parts?” he inquired, his accent thick with the lilt of the region.

As we spoke, I mentioned Konar and the river Jessup. His eyes lit up. “Ah, you tread a path steeped in history,” he said, his words slow and thoughtful.

Further along my journey, in a bustling market town, I encountered Ms. Leclair, a shopkeeper with a sharp tone and quick words. “Konar, you say? Aye, it's part of the old legends,” she said briskly, her speech a rapid-fire contrast to Mr. O'Donnell’s.

Night after night, under the canvas of stars, I pored over the journal. Its cryptic notes, like breadcrumbs, led me on a journey of understanding.

Chapter 4: A Chance Meeting on the Road As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, I found myself on a winding path that led through an ancient forest. The trees, tall and stoic, cast long shadows on the ground, creating a serene yet mysterious ambiance.

Walking along the path, lost in thought about my quest, I noticed a figure ahead.

It was a man, walking with a purposeful stride, yet he had a friendly demeanor about him. “Good afternoon,” I greeted him.

“Good afternoon,” he replied, glancing at me with a curious look. “You seem a bit lost.”

“Well, I’m not exactly lost, just not sure where I’m going,” I admitted. As we walked, I shared with him my journey’s purpose – my quest for understanding the art of bread making, the legacy of my sourdough starter, and the mysterious village I was seeking.

His name was Yonas, a baker from Ethiopia, carrying with him centuries-old baking traditions passed down through generations. As we talked, I learned

about his journey and his deep connection with teff, a grain cherished in his homeland.

Our conversation flowed effortlessly as we navigated the forest path, the trees around us seemingly leaning in to listen. The more we talked, the more I realized the serendipity of our meeting. Yonas, too, was headed to the same elusive village, drawn by tales of a master baker who lived there.

As dawn approached, the forest opened up to reveal a clearing where quaint cottages circled a grand stone hall. It felt like stepping into another era, where time moved at the pace of rising dough and the aroma of fresh bread filled the air.

“Welcome back, Yonas, my friend,” a voice called out from the hall’s entrance. It was Master Aiden, a figure of wisdom and warmth, who seemed to radiate a deep understanding of the baking craft.

“And who is this young traveler you bring?” Master Aiden inquired, turning his kind eyes towards me. Yonas introduced me, explaining how our paths had crossed and the shared passion that drove us. Master Aiden listened intently, nodding as if he knew all along that our paths were meant to intertwine.

Inside the hall, the scent of baking bread enveloped us, mingling with the history that seemed to seep from the walls. Master Aiden introduced me to the Guardians, each a keeper of unique baking traditions. The hall was lined with jars of sourdough starters, each with its own story, its lineage – a testament to the diverse yet interconnected world of bread.

As I looked around, absorbing the sights and sounds of this magical place, I realized that my journey had led me to a crossroads of tradition and discovery.

Here, in this hall, surrounded by guardians of ancient baking secrets, I felt a deep sense of belonging and purpose. My quest was not just about understanding bread – it was about connecting with the very essence of our shared humanity, one loaf at a time.

Chapter 5: The Unveiling of Secrets In the quiet respite of the Guardian’s hall, where the air was usually filled with the comforting aroma of baking bread, a tense atmosphere lingered as Master Aiden began to unravel the mystery surrounding my lost starter. His voice, always a beacon of calm wisdom, now echoed with a grave seriousness.

“He sought to exploit the mystical properties of the starters for his own selfish desires,” Master Aiden disclosed, referring to a renegade Guardian, whose actions had betrayed the sacred trust of their order. His words painted a picture far more complex than I had anticipated. My quest, which started as a search for my stolen sourdough starter, was now entangled in a conflict that challenged the very foundation of our ancient brotherhood.

As Yonas excused himself to his usual quarters, Master Aiden gestured for me to follow him to his study. There, surrounded by old manuscripts and the gentle glow of candlelight, he began to reveal the deeper secrets of our craft.

“The starters you’ve seen,” he started, “are unique. They coexist, maintaining their characteristics despite their proximity. We keep them in specially designed chambers, each with a controlled temperature, nourishing them with specific flour and water as required by their nature.”

I listened, captivated, as Master Aiden spoke of the extraordinary abilities some starters possessed. They could imbue bread with emotions – joy, sorrow, love, even inducing laughter or tears. These powers, while remarkable, could be dangerously potent if misused.

“That’s why the renegade – Brother Joannis, is a threat. He abandoned his pledge, seeking to use a starter for nefarious purposes. Your starter, Eli, is special. It’s a descendant of a rare starter your great-grandfather, once a member

of our guild, developed. Exceptionally, we allowed him to take a piece with him upon retirement. It’s been safeguarded in your family ever since, until now.”

The revelation left me in awe. The legacy I carried was more profound than I had ever imagined. The starter was not merely a family heirloom but a fragment of a rare and powerful lineage.

Master Aiden continued, “We’ve always known of its existence and trusted its safety with your family. But now, with the renegade’s actions, it’s clear that it’s in jeopardy.”

The chapter in my family’s history that I thought I knew was just the surface of a much deeper narrative, intertwined with the guardianship of a sacred tradition.

The weight of this responsibility settled on my shoulders as I realized the true extent of my journey.

We left the study with a renewed sense of purpose. Master Aiden, with a firm resolve, declared, “We must retrieve your starter, Eli. It’s not just about your family’s legacy anymore. It’s about protecting the sanctity of our tradition.”

As we stepped out of the Guardian’s hall, the early morning light cast a hopeful glow on the path ahead. My journey had taken an unexpected turn, leading me into the heart of a legacy that spanned generations. The road ahead was uncertain, but with the guidance of Master Aiden and the support of the Guardians, I felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Chapter 6: The Guardian’s Betrayal Following the enlightening revelations from Master Aiden in his study, a cloud of solemnity hung over the Guardian’s hall. The tranquility that once defined this sanctuary was now overshadowed by a tale of betrayal and greed.

As I absorbed the gravity of Master Aiden’s words, I realized the magnitude of the threat posed by the renegade Guardian, Brother Joannis. His quest to manipulate the mystical properties of the starters for personal gain had fractured the sacred trust of our brotherhood. This was no longer a simple case of a stolen heirloom; it was a dire challenge to the very ethos of our ancient order.

Master Aiden, with a determination that commanded respect, rallied the Guardians. We gathered around a weathered oak table, its surface scarred with the marks of countless meetings and decisions. The air was thick with the scent of yeast and flour, yet it did little to lighten the mood.

“We must act with wisdom and haste,” Master Aiden declared, his voice steady yet imbued with an urgency. The Guardians, each a custodian of unique baking traditions and starter lineages, shared their insights, weaving together a tapestry of information that shed light on Brother Joannis’s possible whereabouts and intentions.

The plan was set; we were to confront Brother Joannis in a secluded valley, notorious for its strange legends and foreboding silence. The journey was daunting, taking us through dense forests shrouded in mist and over rugged terrain that tested our resolve at every step.

Despite the arduous trek, a sense of unity fortified our spirits. This was a collective endeavor to safeguard a legacy far greater than any individual aspiration. The starters we carried were not merely ingredients but symbols of our commitment to protect and preserve our craft.

As we approached the valley’s edge, an eerie stillness greeted us. Standing there, outside an ancient, abandoned mill, was Brother Joannis. His appearance was gaunt, his eyes reflecting a maddening mix of ambition and desperation.

“Eli, you fail to grasp the true power of your starter,” he called out, his voice echoing hauntingly through the valley. “It is an artifact of time, and I am its rightful guardian.”

Master Aiden faced him with a fierce resolve. “You have strayed from our path, Brother. The starters are not conduits for personal power but a sacred trust we must uphold.”

The confrontation escalated swiftly. Brother Joannis, driven by his twisted ambitions, tapped into the dark energies of the starters he had amassed. The air around us crackled with tension, the ground trembled, and reality itself seemed to waver under the strain of his corrupted power.

But we, the Guardians, stood united, our starters resonating with our shared purpose. They were more than mere components of our baking; they were extensions of our beliefs and values.

The clash was intense, a maelstrom of conflicting energies. Yet, it was the purity of our intent that ultimately prevailed. Overwhelmed by the collective might of the Guardians, Brother Joannis’s power waned. His once fierce ambition diminished to a mere shadow of its former self.

In the aftermath, the valley was silent once more. I reclaimed my family’s starter, its familiar presence now imbued with the weight of the journey it had endured.

This was not just a personal victory; it was the restoration of balance and a reaffirmation of our sacred duty.

Our return to Eldridge was reflective, each step a meditation on the delicate balance of trust and power. The starter, safely nestled in my bag, was no longer just a part of my lineage. It had become a testament to the resilience of tradition and the enduring strength of those who protect it.

Chapter 7: Reflections in the Hearth The journey back to the forest where the Guild’s Hall stood was a contemplative one. The victory against the renegade Guardian, while hard-won, brought a sense of relief and restoration. With my family’s sourdough starter safely in hand, the world seemed to be in balance once again.

As we entered the Guild’s Hall, the familiar scent of baking bread and the warmth of the ovens enveloped us. Master Aiden, accompanying me to my quarters after a hearty dinner, listened intently as I recounted the day’s events. His wisdom and understanding made the recounting feel more like a shared reflection rather than a mere retelling.

Before bidding me goodnight, I hesitated, then asked, “May I see where you bake your bread?” Master Aiden looked at me, a hint of surprise in his eyes, then nodded, “Of course, follow me.”

He led me to a large, bustling kitchen. Despite its size and array of equipment, there was a homely feel to it. The aroma of different types of bread filled the air, a testament to the diverse baking traditions of the Guardians. There, amidst a cloud of flour, was Yonas, meticulously preparing loaves for the morning bake.

“I’ll leave you with Yonas,” Master Aiden said with a smile. “It’s past my bedtime.

I’m getting old.” With those words, he departed, leaving me in the capable hands of the Ethiopian baker.

Yonas greeted me with a warm smile, his hands never stopping their skilled work.

“Welcome to our sanctuary of bread,” he said, his voice rich with pride and passion.

As we talked, Yonas shared stories of his homeland, Ethiopia, a land rich in history and tradition. “Many think Africa has no history,” he mused. “But Ethiopia’s story is as old as time. Did you know when the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, she brought with her bread recipes made from a special starter? The same starter I now care for.”

I listened, captivated by his tales, each story weaving a tapestry of history, culture, and bread. Yonas spoke of his journey, how he was invited to join the Guild, and what it meant for him to be a Guardian of such an ancient and noble craft.

“It’s a path of dedication, Eli,” Yonas said, looking at me thoughtfully. “Should you ever consider joining the Guild, know that it’s a commitment to preserving and honoring the legacy of bread.”

His words stirred something within me, a realization of the depth and significance of the Guild’s work. As we exchanged bread recipes and starter stories, I felt a profound connection to the history and tradition that Yonas represented.

The night deepened as we spoke, the kitchen’s warm glow a comforting backdrop to our conversation. When the time came to part, I left the kitchen not just with a heart full of stories, but with a mind brimming with possibilities about my future in the world of bread.

Lying in bed that night, Yonas’s stories lingered in my thoughts. The Guild, its Guardians, and their sacred duty to the art of bread-making were now part of my world, a world I was just beginning to understand and, perhaps, destined to join.

Chapter 8: The Invitation and a New Horizon Elias returned to his bakery, his journey having left an indelible mark on his spirit.

His patrons, especially Mrs. Henderson, who frequently visited his shop for her daily bread and chats, noticed his absence. When she inquired, Elias simply remarked that he needed some time away, to recharge. Mrs. Henderson nodded with a knowing smile, expressing her delight at having him back.

Life at the bakery resumed its usual rhythm, with the comforting smell of baking bread and the sound of the bell above the door as customers came and went.

Yet, internally, Elias felt different. The adventure he had embarked upon had awakened a sense of destiny within him that he couldn’t shake off.

During a lull between serving customers and taking fresh bread out of the oven, Elias stepped out onto the stoop, seeking solace in the crisp air. It was then that the postman, Mr. O’Connor, whom he had known for years, approached with his usual cheerful demeanor. “I have something for you, Elias,” he said, handing over a large envelope with elaborate and fanciful writing.

Elias’s heart quickened. The envelope was unlike any regular mail he received.

Its intricate design and the weight of the paper hinted at something significant.

Mr. O’Connor’s slight Irish accent, reminiscent of his roots in Galway, added to the moment’s charm. “Must be pretty important. I’ve never quite seen a parcel like this one before,” he commented.

“We’ll know soon enough. Thank you,” Elias replied, taking the envelope with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. Returning to the quiet of his bakery, he sat at his desk, the envelope in his hands. He admired its craftsmanship, the embossed letters seeming to almost pulsate with a life of their own.

With a deep breath, Elias carefully opened the envelope. Inside, he found an invitation, its words elegantly inscribed:

“Dear Elias, You are cordially invited to join the Guild of Guardians of the Grain. Your recent journey has not only reclaimed what was lost but also revealed a path that lies ahead. This invitation is an acknowledgment of your dedication to the art of bread-making and an offer to join us in preserving and evolving this ancient craft.

Within these walls, you will find knowledge, tradition, and a fellowship of like-minded guardians, each devoted to the noble pursuit of perfecting and protecting the heritage of bread.

We await your decision, knowing that whatever choice you make, it will be in the spirit of the legacy you carry.

Yours in the craft, The Guild of Guardians of the Grain”

Elias sat back, the invitation in his hands. This was more than an offer; it was a recognition of his journey, his struggles, and the destiny that seemed to be unfolding before him. The bakery, once his entire world, now felt like a part of something much larger—a gateway to a journey that was far from over.

The epilogue to this chapter in Elias’s life was yet to be written, but one thing was clear: the road ahead was filled with possibilities, and the story of Elias, the baker with a lineage of guardianship, was only just beginning.

Chapter 9: A Return to the Guild Elias's return to the Guild was marked with a sense of familiarity and comfort.

The once daunting forest now greeted him like an old friend, its trees whispering welcome as he made his way to the Guardian's Hall.

Upon knocking at the grand door, it swung open to reveal a striking young woman with fiery red hair neatly pulled back into a bun. She wore a beautiful dress, designed for both elegance and practicality, adorned with an apron bearing the embroidered emblem of the Guild. Elias found himself momentarily lost for words at her presence.

"I’m here to see... well, I mean, I am..." Elias stumbled over his introduction.

"To see Master Aiden, aren’t you?" she interjected with a knowing smile, saving him from his fluster.

"Yes," was all he managed to reply, still caught off-guard.

She chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "And you must be?"

"I... yes, I am," Elias responded, finally regaining his composure. "I'm Elias."

She gestured for him to follow. "Please, wait in the Master's study. He'll be with you shortly. I must return to the kitchen; I've got some ciabatta about to go in the oven."

"Ciabatta, you know, it means 'slipper' in Italian," Elias remarked, attempting to make conversation.

Her laughter, light and melodious, filled the hall. "Yes, I know," she replied before disappearing back to the kitchen.

Left alone in the study, Elias marveled at the room's array of ancient books and artifacts. Suddenly, Master Aiden appeared, seemingly materializing from a hidden door in the wall. "Ah, Elias, you've returned. And I see you've met her."

"Yes," Elias said, still a bit dazed. "She's new?"

Master Aiden's smile deepened. "No, she's not new. She’s my granddaughter.

Been with us since she was a child. And yes, she's beautiful, and I keep a close eye on her."

Elias nodded, slightly embarrassed by his earlier awkwardness.

"So, Elias, you received my letter, then?" Master Aiden inquired, shifting the focus back to the purpose of Elias's visit.

"Yes, Master Aiden, I did," Elias responded, his heart racing with the anticipation of revealing his decision to the Guild.

The moment felt significant, a turning point in Elias's journey. Here, in the heart of the Guild, surrounded by the legacy of centuries of baking tradition, Elias was about to make a choice that would define his path forward.

As he prepared to speak, Elias felt the weight of his decision, a mix of excitement and responsibility. This was more than just a personal choice; it was a step into a larger world, a commitment to a craft, and a community that transcended time and place.

Epilogue: The Path Forward As the door to the Guardian's Hall closed behind him, Elias stood outside, taking a moment to reflect on the journey that had brought him to this pivotal point. The forest around him, once a labyrinth of uncertainty, now felt like a guiding path, leading him towards a future rich with possibility.

His decision to join the Guild of Guardians of the Grain was not made lightly. It was a commitment to uphold a tradition that stretched back centuries, to protect the sacred art of bread-making, and to continue the legacy his family had unwittingly been a part of. The weight of this responsibility was balanced by a sense of belonging and purpose that had eluded him for so long.

As Elias walked away from the hall, the conversation with Master Aiden's granddaughter lingered in his mind. Her laughter, her knowledge of the craft, and

the ease with which she navigated the world of the Guild had left a profound impression on him. She was a living bridge between the ancient traditions of the Guild and the vibrant pulse of the modern world.

Elias's journey had started with a quest to recover his family's stolen sourdough starter, but it had evolved into something much greater. He had discovered a world where bread was more than sustenance; it was a symbol of connection, a bearer of culture, and a guardian of history. The Guild was not just a group of bakers; they were custodians of a sacred trust, each member bringing their unique heritage and skills to the collective table.

As he made his way through the forest, Elias thought of the bakery he would return to, the customers who awaited his return, and the stories he would share.

The bakery would continue to be his realm, but now it would also serve as a gateway to a broader world of baking, a place where the traditions of the Guild and the joys of the community could intertwine.

Elias's future was a canvas yet to be painted, a story yet to be written. With each loaf he would bake, he would be weaving a thread into the vast tapestry of the baking world, connecting the past with the present, and honoring the lineage of guardians who had walked this path before him.

As the epilogue to this chapter in his life concluded, Elias knew that his story was far from over. It was a new beginning, a fresh chapter in a book filled with the aroma of baking bread, the warmth of the oven, and the unending journey of a baker.

Eli’s Signature Sourdough Bread Recipe Introduction:

This recipe encapsulates the essence of Eli’s journey and his legacy. Each loaf you bake is not just bread; it's a piece of history, a craft passed down through generations.

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl Dutch oven or heavy-lidded pot Proofing basket or bowl Kitchen towel Parchment paper Wooden spoon Ingredients:

240 ml (1 cup) active sourdough starter 360 ml (1½ cups) warm water 480 grams (4 cups) bread flour 9 grams (1½ teaspoons) salt Instructions:

Mixing: In the large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water. Stir with the wooden spoon until well-mixed. Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a sticky dough forms.

First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a loaf, being careful not to over-knead.

Second Rise: Place the loaf into a well-floured proofing basket or a bowl lined with a clean kitchen towel. Cover and let it rise for another 1-2 hours.

Baking: Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F), placing the Dutch oven inside to heat up. Carefully transfer the loaf onto a piece of parchment paper, then lower it into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Cooling: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Serving Size: This recipe yields one loaf of bread, serving approximately 6-8 people, depending on portion size.

Eli’s Note: "Each loaf you bake carries with it a story, a touch of the past. May this bread bring warmth, joy, and a sense of connection to your table, as it has to mine."

The end, for now.