From Egg to Chick: Our Honest ChickCozy Incubator Review

 

Looking for a reliable incubator for your homestead? We used the ChickCozy automatic egg incubator and hatched our best brood yet. Here’s the full story.

How We Built a Solar Goat Fence That Actually Works (And Keeps the Goats In!)

 How We Built a Solar Goat Fence That Actually Works (And Keeps the Goats In!)

If you've ever owned goats, you already know the struggle: they’re escape artists. They climb, chew, push, and wriggle their way through or over just about anything. We’ve tried different setups over the years — wire panels, regular fencing, even makeshift barricades — but nothing has worked quite like our DIY portable solar electric goat fence. And the best part? It’s completely off-grid, affordable, and easy to move.

This post breaks down everything we did to create a fence that actually works — not just in theory, but in the real, muddy, goat-filled reality of daily life on our little farm.

---

🌞 Why We Chose a Solar Electric Fence for Our Goats

Let’s start with the “why.” Why go solar? Why electric? Why not just build a massive permanent fence?

Here’s the deal:

• We rotate our goats through different parts of our property to let pasture areas recover. That means our fencing has to be portable.

• We don’t want to trench power lines or drag extension cords through the yard. So solar power just made sense.

• And most importantly: electric fencing WORKS. Goats learn quickly not to touch it, and once they respect it, you have way fewer problems. (Our chickens and horse are even respecting it.)

With solar, we don’t worry about power outages, and our setup keeps working no matter how far we are from the nearest outlet.

---

🧰 What You’ll Need: Tools + Materials List

Here’s what we used to build our solar-powered electric fence. You can customize it based on your herd size or terrain, but this is a solid starting point:

⚙️ Electrical Components:

• Solar Energizer – Choose one compatible with a 12V battery.

• Solar Panel – Ours is mounted on a small frame, angled toward the sun.

• 12V Deep Cycle Battery – Stores power for nighttime or cloudy days.

• Battery Box/Container – To protect the battery from weather and animals. (we will be building one soon but for now we have our set up covered)

• Voltage Meter – For testing fence performance.

🪵 Fence Setup:

• Electric Fencing– Lightweight and electrified; easy to roll up.

• Grounding Rods – You’ll need at least two, driven into the earth.

Optional but helpful:

• Weed Whacker – To keep vegetation from touching the wire and grounding it out.

---

🛠️ Building the Fence: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Construct the Battery Box and Set up Panels

We started by figuring out where we were wanting to start our fence and place our battery set up. For now till we build a battery box we have a half of a barrel covering it so it doesnt get wet. As for our panels. We do not have them mounted on anything, they come with a leg that you can use to hold them up. I rather be able to turn the panels to get the most out of the sun during the day. 

2. Wire the Solar Panel to the Battery and Energizer

Next, we connected the panel to the battery using the charge controller, and then wired the energizer to the battery. All connections were made secure and weatherproof.

It’s super important here to follow the manual for your specific energizer brand — voltage direction, grounding, and polarity matter!

3. Drive in Grounding Rods

This part is crucial. No matter how good your energizer is, without solid grounding your fence won’t hold a charge.

We drove the grounding rod and attached the ground wire with some wire we had laying around. 

4. Set up the Fence

The fence set up we use comes already put together, all we have to do is stake and roll. Once we get the layout we will go back and put tension and run some tension lines to hold anything that might be leaning. 

5. Test It!

Once everything was hooked up, we used our fence tester to measure voltage. Highly recommend not touching it lol... ouch.

---

🧪 Troubleshooting & Maintenance Tips

Even a great fence can lose power or have issues if not maintained. Here’s what we learned:

• Check voltage weekly with a tester — especially after storms or heavy winds.

• Trim weeds that grow along the wire line. Wet vegetation can zap your power.

• Inspect connections for corrosion, especially around the battery terminals.

• In cold months or cloudy stretches, make sure your battery is still holding a charge.

---

🚜 Real-World Use & Results

After setting it up, we watched the goats approach it cautiously. Our big doe got zapped once — and she won’t go near it now. Quickly all of the others learned.

We’ve had zero escapes, and we’ve been able to move the whole setup as needed across our property. It’s easy to pull stakes and roll the fence and carry the battery set up to a new location.

Plus, no loud generators or extension cords running across the yard. Just peaceful, quiet power from the sun. 

The fence set up has been working well to keep our chickens as well as my Mare. She touched it once and never wanted to touch it again. Now i will say she is a lazy horse and NOT a jumper so...do what ever with that info. 

---

🌾 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This system was simple to build, surprisingly way cheaper than a permanent fence set up, and it’s given us peace of mind — not to mention a lot less chasing goats down the road.

Whether you’re just getting started with goats or you’re a seasoned homesteader looking to upgrade your setup, I highly recommend trying a solar-powered electric fence.

---

📹 Watch the Full Tutorial

Want to see the whole build in action and get a closer look at how it all works?

👉 Watch the full video here:
🎥 Ultimate Solar Goat Fence That Actually Works!

---

🛒 SHOP OUR FENCE SUPPLIES

(Include affiliate links or links to your farm stand/website shop here if applicable.)

---

💬 Let’s Talk Goats!

Have questions about solar fencing? Got goats who think they’re smarter than your fence? Leave a comment below or come chat with us on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube — we’d love to help (and hear your goat stories!).

 

Crisp & Tangy Dill Pickles for Sweet Pickle Haters

Hello, my name is Mackenzie, and I’m a picky pickle eater… This recipe is dedicated to everyone out there who despises sweet pickles. If you want crisp, punchy, garlicky pickles that won’t betray your taste buds with sugar — this one’s for you. 🥒

This recipe makes enough brine for at least 4 quart jars of pickles.

---

🌿 Ingredients:

• 2 quarts cold water

• 1/2 to 1 cup white vinegar (I use 1 cup for a little extra bite)

• 1/3 cup canning/pickling salt or coarse kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon caraway seed or 1 teaspoon coriander seed

• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

• 1 tablespoon dill seed

• 1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon minced garlic (I use a full tablespoon because… garlic 😍)

---

🍴 Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine water and vinegar. Turn heat to medium-high or high, depending on your patience level 😉

2. Before the mixture comes to a full boil, add all the seasonings and stir until the salt dissolves.

3. Let the brine reach a rolling boil and let it boil for at least 3 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and start pickling! Pour over your sliced cucumbers or whole pickles packed in jars.

---

💡 Optional Notes:

• You can split the dill seed and minced garlic between the jars instead of boiling them.

• As you ladle the brine into jars, scoop up the seasonings from the bottom of the pot to make sure each jar gets all the good stuff!

---

📌 Try These Next:

• No-Foil Roasted Garlic Hack

• Roasted Garlic Focaccia

Let me know if you make these and what you pair them with — tag me @sumneracre on Instagram or leave a comment below. (click my user name to be taken to Instagram!)

Roasted Garlic Sourdough Focaccia Bread

 

Craving something a little fancier but still rustic and farm-table worthy? This focaccia recipe starts with our Sumner Acre Easy Sourdough Loaf Dough and takes it to a whole new level with roasted garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, feta, and basil.

If you’ve already made our basic dough and it’s been resting overnight in the fridge, you’re just a few steps away from warm, golden-brown focaccia bliss.

🍞 (Click here for the dough recipe) 

---

This Roasted Garlic Sourdough Focaccia is:

• A delicious upgrade to your usual loaf

• Packed with savory, garden-fresh flavor

• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

• Impressive enough to bring to any dinner party or serve on the porch with a glass of wine

---

• 2 large heads roasted garlic, chopped – Sweet, soft, and full of flavor

• 1/4 cup olive oil – For the bottom of the pan and added richness

• 4 oz cherry tomatoes, halved – Add color and juiciness

• 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped – Optional but bright and fresh

• Feta cheese, crumbled – Use as much as you like!

💡 Tip: Want a garlic hack? Try our No-Foil Roasted Garlic trick! (Click Here to read)

---

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 2: In a baking dish, pour olive oil to coat the bottom.

Step 3: Turn out your sourdough from the fridge into the dish. Press it out flat with your hands and flip it so the oiled side is now up.

Step 4: Use your fingers to dimple the surface.

Step 5: Top the dough with chopped roasted garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, feta, and basil — use as much or little as you like.

Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and the edges are firm.

Step 7: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool another 20 minutes.

Step 8: Slice, serve, and enjoy!

---

Storage: Store leftovers wrapped in parchment or in an airtight container at room temp for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Toast to reheat!

Variations:

• Swap feta for goat cheese or parmesan

• Add olives, red onion, or chili flakes

• Make it sweet-savory with a drizzle of honey over the roasted garlic

---

This focaccia is perfect with:

• A big bowl of tomato soup

• Farm-fresh salad and grilled veggies

• Charcuterie boards or picnics

Serve it warm or room temp — it’s farmhouse fancy without the fuss.

---

Can I make this without sourdough dough?
Yes — but our sourdough base gives unbeatable flavor and chew.

What’s the best pan to use?
A metal or glass baking dish, about 9x13" works great.

Do I need to oil the dough again before baking?
Nope! Flipping it in the oiled pan does the trick.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to impress your friends or just treat yourself? Try this focaccia twist and tag me @sumneracre on Instagram or leave a comment below. (click my user name to be taken to Instagram!)

🧺 Need a starter to begin your dough journey? Snag a piece of our 30+ year old dehydrated sourdough starter from Etsy and get baking.

➡️ Shop Our Dehydrated Starter on Etsy!

 

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies (Soft, Chewy & Crowd-Pleasing)

Welcome to the ultimate sweet treat recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite in your home! These Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of tangy, chewy, and irresistibly sweet. The hint of sourdough adds depth and complexity that takes this classic cookie to a whole new level.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need something cozy and indulgent, these cookies are sure to have everyone asking for seconds.

🍪 This recipe makes about 36 cookies, depending on size.

---

🌿 Ingredients:

• 21 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 100g granulated sugar

• 100g brown sugar, packed

• 2 small duck eggs or 2 regular chicken eggs (duck eggs are exceptional in baking!)

• 1.5 cups sourdough starter (fed discard or unfed — I usually use a fed discard)

• 1.5 tablespoons vanilla extract

• 3 cups (or 250g) all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur brand)

• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt

• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda

• 3 cups milk chocolate chips (or whatever chocolate you like)

---

🍴 Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix by hand until creamy.

2. Add in eggs and stir until fully combined.

3. Mix in sourdough starter and vanilla extract.

4. Add flour, salt, and baking soda. Stir gently and don’t overmix!

5. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

6. Preheat oven to 350°F. While the oven preheats, cover the dough and let it rest.

7. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop 2–3 tablespoon-sized portions of dough spaced evenly.

8. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Larger dough balls may need up to 15 minutes depending on your oven.

9. Let cookies rest for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

---

💡 Tips & Notes:

• These cookies stay fresh longer when stored in the fridge.

• They make incredible ice cream sandwiches — just saying.

• You can freeze the dough in balls for quick baking later!

---

🧺 Need a sourdough starter? Grab a 30+ year old starter from our Etsy shop! It comes with this cookie recipe, full rehydration instructions, and how to bulk feed so you never need to buy another one again. (I’m a terrible businesswoman, honestly.)

➡️ Shop Our Dehydrated Starter on Etsy!

Let me know if you try this loaf! I’d love to see your bakes — tag me @sumneracre on Instagram or leave a comment below. (click my user name to be taken to Instagram!)

 

How to Roast Garlic Without Foil (The Muffin Tin Hack!)

Need roasted garlic for dinner but out of foil? Don’t panic — Sumner Acre has your back with this super easy, no-foil garlic roasting method using just two muffin tins. It’s fast, simple, and results in sweet, golden garlic every time.

---

🌿 What You Need:

• Any amount of whole garlic heads you want to roast

• 1 teaspoon of olive oil per head

• 2 muffin tins (standard size)

---

🍴 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Slice each garlic head in half horizontally (so you expose the cloves).

3. Place each half cut-side up into separate muffin tin cups.

4. Drizzle about 1 tsp of olive oil over each garlic head, rubbing it lightly into the cloves.

5. Place the second muffin tin upside down on top of the first to form a "lid."

6. Roast in the oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and golden brown.

7. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted cloves out and use in recipes, on bread, or eat straight off the spoon (no judgment).

---

💡 Tip: This is the perfect prep step for our Roasted Garlic Focaccia or to stir into homemade butter, mashed potatoes, or salad dressings.

Let me know if you try it — tag me @sumneracre on Instagram or leave a comment below. (click my user name to be taken to Instagram!)

Bracing for the Chill: How We Prepare the Homestead for the Cold Months

 

As the leaves turn golden and the crispness in the air settles in, the hustle on our Kansas homestead takes on a new urgency. Morning chores now come with the bite of cold, signaling that fall has truly arrived. This year, we’re especially focused on staying ahead of the game with preparations. With a few new faces joining the farm family, every step matters to ensure everyone stays safe and cozy. Join us as we share our strategies for getting ready to face the winter season and how we’re keeping our homestead one step ahead of the cold snap.

Harvest Wrap-Up and Garden Clean-Up

As the summer growing season winds down, we’ve been busy gathering up the last of our harvest. We picked the final three cucumbers, an assortment of colorful peppers, and a few pumpkins and dumpling squashes. Closing up the garden for the colder months is always a bit bittersweet, but there’s a sense of relief, too, knowing the garden gets a rest—and so do we. With the harvest done, I opened the garden gates and let the chickens take over for their final clean-up duties. They’ll peck through the remnants, helping clear out any lingering pests and debris. Once everything turns brown and brittle, I’ll pull out the plants to compost or burn, officially tucking the garden in for winter.

Prepping the Animal Shelters and Making Winter Adjustments

Our animals are the heart of our homestead, so preparing their shelters for the cold is always a top priority. We started by cleaning out the chicken coop, duck house, and goat shelters, replacing old bedding with fresh material. The chickens enjoy the benefits of the deep litter method on their cement flooring, which helps insulate and keeps them cozy. The ducks, housed in an old storage shed, are messy as ever, so we replace their shavings often and will add straw soon for extra warmth. Our goats have two shelters—a walk-in shed and a repurposed dog house—both of which we refreshed with new bedding and will layer with straw for added fluff.

For our mare, Vegas, we made a temporary adjustment. Her stock tank has been leaking, so we’ve set up large containers for her water supply until we can reseal or replace the tank. Additionally, this year we took a new step in preparing for spring: we banded our Ancona ducks. After our last hatch in August, we identified and banded the males for our future breeding program, making it easier to sort them for either new homes or the freezer here in the next couple weeks. These preparations ensure that all our animals are ready to face the chill ahead as well as responsible animal husbandry!

Winterizing the Water Supply

Water is a necessity year-round, but it becomes even more crucial as winter approaches—especially for our animals like our mare, Vegas. Recently, her stock tank has developed a steady leak, so we’re making it a priority to repair it before it’s time to add water heaters for the colder months. For now, we’ve drained the tank and replaced it with smaller containers that hold enough water to keep her hydrated throughout the day. Once we got the leak fixed...spoiler alert...it didnt fix so...theres that, but for now we put the plug heater in we just have a leak at the seam till we can get a new one.

Preparing Our Mama Bear Fisher Wood Stove for Winter

As the chilly winds begin to blow and the first hints of frost touch our homestead, it's time to turn our attention to our lifeline for warmth: the Mama Bear Fisher wood stove. This trusty stove not only heats our home but also brings a sense of comfort and coziness to our small sanctuary. Cleaning it up for the cold months is a ritual that we take seriously. We carefully remove the ash, inspect the stove pipe for any blockages while using our handy drill powered chimney sweeper, and give the exterior a good scrub and polish, ensuring it’s ready to provide us with reliable heat during the long winter nights. Using our kindling cracker tool we gather lots of kindling and store it in a chest on the porch with our wood we stacked. With a well-maintained stove, we can embrace the season, knowing that our home will be warm and inviting, even as the temperatures drop outside. Even if I complain about it being to hot in the house to my husband it definetly gives peace of mind knowing we have warmth for us and if we loose power we still have that and are able to cook on the wood stove if need be (which is so fun).

Wrap Up Recap

As we wrap up our preparations, there’s a comforting sense of readiness on the homestead. We’ve secured our garden, prepped the animal shelters, and made adjustments to our water setup, and finally prepped the wood stove, all with the goal of staying a step ahead of winter’s chill. It’s always a bit of work, but knowing that our farm family will be safe and cozy through the season makes it worthwhile. With each winter we face, we grow a little more seasoned, a little more resilient. Thanks for joining us on this journey—here’s to a warm and well-prepared season ahead!

The Ultimate Seed Starting Guide: Everything You Need to Know

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog!

The Beginner’s Guide to Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors might seem overwhelming at first, but once you dig in (pun intended!), it becomes one of the most rewarding skills you can learn. Whether you’re growing food for self-sufficiency or just want to fill your home with beautiful plants, this guide will walk you through the process in the simplest way possible.

• Why Start Seeds Indoors?
  If you’ve ever gone to a garden center only to find limited seedling options or overpriced plants, you’ll appreciate the benefits of starting your own seeds at home. By growing from seed, you can:
  ✅ Save money in the long run
  ✅ Grow rare or heirloom varieties not found in stores
  ✅ Control the health and quality of your plants
  ✅ Get a head start on the growing season
  What You’ll Learn in This Guide
  1. Choosing the Right Seeds
  2. Essential Tools & Supplies
  3. The Best Grow Lights for Success
  4. Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Seeds
  5. Caring for Seedlings & Transplanting
  ________________________________________
  1. Choosing the Right Seeds
  The best seeds to start indoors depend on what you plan to grow and where you’ll be planting them. Consider these factors:
  Heirloom vs. Hybrid Seeds
  • Heirloom Seeds – Open-pollinated and passed down for generations. You can save seeds from these plants for next season. (Recommended!)
  • Hybrid Seeds – Created by cross-breeding plants for specific traits, but their seeds don’t reliably grow true to type.
  Where to Buy Quality Seeds
  Here are my go-to sources for high-quality seeds:
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds– Great variety of heirloom seeds.
• Johnny's Seeds – Reliable and great for all gardeners.
• MiGardener- Great affordable seeds with many varieties. 

________________________________________
2. Essential Tools & Supplies 

*click the underlined words to check out the items i use! or you can check out the full Amazon List here- Seed Storage/Seed Starting Essentials 
To set yourself up for success, you’ll need a few key items:

✅ Grow Shelf or Cart- This isnt completely necessary to have but it DOES make it a lot easier to mount your lights and have a designated spot for your growing. Out of growing season we take our cart down and store it away in the garage. 

✅ Seed Trays or Containers – I recommend using a Garden Propagator Set (mini greenhouse) to keep humidity levels stable. If you’re on a budget, red solo cups with drainage holes work too!
✅ Seed-Starting Mix – Avoid heavy garden soil. Use a lightweight mix like:
• Burpee Organic Seed Starting Mix
• Jiffy Organic Seed Starting Mix
✅ Watering Tools – Use a spray bottle to mist seeds without overwhelming them. Once seedlings sprout, water from the bottom by placing a little water in the seed tray.
✅ Grow Lights – Regular light bulbs won’t cut it! Use LED shop lights with these specs:
• 2000-3000 Lumens
• 5000K Color Temperature (Bright White)
💡 Tip: Don’t feel like you have to have the “Fancy” purple grow lights—they strain the eyes and aren’t necessary for seed starting. I have NEVER used them for the many years of seed starting I have done. We bought shop lights with those specs from Menards and i found you ones similar that are on amazon!!
✅ Reflective Foil Insulation – Wrapping your grow cart in this helps keep light contained and provides warmth for your plants. This is not a "YOU HAVE TO HAVE THIS" thing, but if you have them in a drafty and cooler area (our house is pretty cool normally) this just ensures your warmth is not escaping.
✅ Plant Markers – Label your plants with waterproof markers or popsicle sticks to keep track of different varieties.
✅ Clyde’s Garden Planner – A fantastic tool to determine when to start seeds based on your last frost date. I have used this planner for many years and have had to buy second and 3rds because i tend to lose them (dont be like me) 
________________________________________
3. The Best Grow Lights for Success
A common question: Can I use a regular light bulb to grow plants? The answer: No—at least not effectively. Plants need full-spectrum lighting that mimics natural sunlight.
✅ Best Budget Option: LED Shop Lights (2500 lumens, 5000K color temperature)
✅ Alternative: Full-spectrum grow lights (though pricier, they work great!)
💡 Position your grow lights 2-4 inches above seedlings and adjust as they grow.
________________________________________
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Seeds
Step 1: Pick What You’re Planting
Check your growing zone and last frost date to determine what to start indoors.
Step 2: Fill Your Seed Trays
1. Add seed-starting mix to each cell or container.
2. Lightly pack the soil to remove air pockets.
3. Mist with water before planting.
Step 3: Plant Your Seeds
1. Check the seed packet for proper planting depth.
2. Use a skewer or finger to make small holes.
3. Drop in seeds and lightly cover them with soil.
4. Label each tray with plant markers.
Step 4: Water & Cover
1. Lightly mist the soil after planting.
2. Cover with a clear lid to create a mini greenhouse effect.

Step 5: Provide Light & Warmth
1. Place your trays under grow lights
💡 I like to keep my grow lights on 24/7 till they move to a bigger cup. Then I start their “day & night” cycle. If you have a multi-tier cart or shelf like me and some things might grow after than others, I sometimes don’t worry about day and night OR I just shut that designated light off for that shelf for the ones that are ready. (don’t feel like you must do this though…I’m just extra)

2. Keep temperatures between 65-75°F.
________________________________________
5. Caring for Seedlings & Transplanting
Once They Sprout: Remove the Lid!
When seedlings emerge, remove the humidity dome to prevent mold growth.
Watering Routine
• Mist seedlings daily but don’t overwater.
• Once they’re a bit bigger, water from the bottom by adding water to the seed tray.
Transplanting to Larger Containers
When seedlings outgrow their trays, move them to bigger containers (like red solo cups with drainage holes).

Hardening Off: Getting Them Ready for the Outdoors
Before moving plants outside permanently, they need to adjust:
1. Day 1-3: Place them outdoors in shade for 1-2 hours.
2. Day 4-6: Gradually increase sunlight exposure.
3. Day 7+: Leave them outside longer, bringing them in at night.
Once your plants are strong enough, it’s time to plant them in their final home—whether it’s in your garden, greenhouse, or an indoor setup.
________________________________________
Final Thoughts: Grow with Confidence!
Starting seeds indoors isn’t as hard as it seems—you just need the right setup (it doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy) and a little patience. Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving garden full of home-grown plants!
📌 Check out the full list of items i mentioned here on Amazon: Seed Storage/Seed Starting Essentials List
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out—I’d love to help! Happy planting! 🌱
💡 If you are a visual learner stay tuned to our YouTube channel for a video showing this process of planting and vlogs updating through growing season!

Easy Sourdough Bread (GREAT FOR BEGINNERS!)

 

Want to make sourdough but feel it’s too difficult? You’re not alone! At Sumner Acre, I wanted to demystify the whole process and make it simple — especially for beginners who’ve always wanted to try baking sourdough but didn’t know where to start. This beginner-friendly loaf is soft, chewy, and totally doable — no fancy gadgets, no stress, just a Dutch oven and some farmstead patience.

This recipe is also the one I include with every order of our 30+ year old sourdough starter from our Etsy shop — it’s truly a taste of heritage and home.

➡️ Shop Our Dehydrated Starter on Etsy!

This Beginner Sourdough Loaf is:

• Made with only 4 simple ingredients

• Beginner-friendly and easy to follow

• Perfect for cozy weekend baking or impressing at potlucks

• Adaptable — great for adding your favorite inclusions (cheese, herbs, seeds!)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this sourdough loaf:

• 350g Lukewarm Water (or 1 1/2 cups) – Make sure it’s just warm to the touch, not hot.

• 100g Active Starter (or 1/2 cup) – Must be bubbly and recently fed.

• 500g Bread Flour (or 4 cups) – High-protein flour works best.

• 10g Salt (or 1/2 tsp) – Sea salt or kosher salt preferred.

Note: If you're using cups and teaspoons instead of grams, be sure to level your measurements. Depending on the humidity in your home, you may need to add a bit more water. In the dry winter months, I always need a splash more to help hydrate all the flour.

Step-By-Step

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 350g lukewarm water and 100g active starter. Whisk until the starter dissolves.

   Step 2: Add 500g bread flour and 10g salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms and no dry flour remains.

   Step 3: Cover and let rest for 1 hour (autolyse).

   Step 4: Perform your first set of stretch and folds — minimum of 4 folds.

   Step 5: Let rest 30 minutes. Do a second set of stretch and folds.

   Step 6: Rest another 30 minutes. Do a third set of stretch and folds.

   Step 7: Rest 30 more minutes, then do your fourth and final set. Be gentle and tuck the dough under itself to form a smooth ball.

   Step 8: Cover and let rise at room temperature for 4 hours.

   Step 9: Pre-shape into a ball. Let rest 20 minutes. (Great time to prepare any inclusions like herbs or cheese!)

   Step 10: Shape your dough and place into a proofing basket. Let sit uncovered for 20 minutes.

   Step 11: Stitch the bottom, then refrigerate uncovered for 8–16 hours.

   Step 12: Preheat oven to 450°F with Dutch oven (lid on) inside.

   Step 13: Remove dough from fridge, flip onto parchment paper, dust with flour, and score.

   Step 14: Place in Dutch oven with ice cubes under the parchment paper. Bake 20 minutes with the lid on, then 30–40 minutes with lid off.

   Step 15: Check for doneness — internal temp should be 205–210°F.

   Step 16: Cool for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before slicing.

Store cooled sourdough in a paper bag or wrapped in a tea towel at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze.

Variations:

• Add roasted garlic, tomatoes, feta and rosemary for a savory twist

• Fold in cheddar and jalapeños

• Top with everything bagel seasoning before baking

• Fold in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. 

*Sourdough is so versatile! i actually use this dough recipe to create bagels! 

This loaf is perfect with:

• Fresh or softened butter or local honey

• Farm-fresh eggs for toast

• Cream Cheese

• A hearty soup on a chilly evening

Or make the best grilled cheese you’ve ever had.

FAQ:

-Do you have to have a Dutch oven? 

    Nope! You can put it in the oven in a baking pan with a inverted metal bowl and throw some ice cubes in there, or you can place a oven safe tray on the bottom rack and place some ice (carefully) after you place your bread in. Just do your best to keep the door closed so you dont lose that wonderful steam that gives you that crackly crust!

Let me know if you try this loaf! I’d love to see your bakes — tag me @sumneracre on Instagram or leave a comment below. (click my user name to be taken to Instagram!)

🧺 Need a sourdough starter to get going? Grab a piece of our 30+ year old dehydrated starter on Etsy — it includes this recipe, how to rehydrate it, and how to bulk feed so you never need to buy one again (I’m a terrible businesswoman, clearly).

➡️ Shop Our Dehydrated Starter on Etsy!