Happy New Year 2026!

There’s something truly special about cooking at home, isn’t there? The way simple ingredients come together to create something nourishing and delightful... It’s like a little act of love, a quiet celebration of life’s blessings. I often find myself drawn to recipes that are not only easy to make but also nourishing for both body and soul. After all, real food is a gift from God to us, a reminder of the gifts He has given us for our nourishment.

Today, I want to share one of my favorite ways to cook now - with sourdough! Have you ever tried using it? It has become very popular in recent years, and I am constantly finding new ways to enjoy it.

Embracing Simplicity in the Kitchen

Sourdough can sound rather complex, and there are many books written on the subject. But you know what I've come to learn? It actually is incredibly forgiving and easy to use. It just requires some planning ahead, which I am okay with. If I know I need bread for our Sunday dinner, I simply feed the starter the night before, and early Sunday morning, make the bread, and it is ready to bake for Sunday dinner.

Even if you DON'T happen to plan ahead, there are a plethora of ways to use sourdough without needing to wait on the starter to activate. You can use the starter or discard to make pizza, crackers, and even your own homemade tortillas! All you need is a sourdough starter, and the sky becomes the limit.

There are so many resources out there to help you navigate sourdough, but I am all about SIMPLE. I feed my starter with a mixture of flour and water until it has a smoothie consistency. I let it sit out on the counter in a glass bowl covered until it is bubbly and smells wonderful. Then, it is ready to use!

Who doesn't love PIZZA?

The recipe I am going to share with you today is so simple and delicious that you will be making it many times over in your kitchen. And it bakes up so quickly, you'll be amazed. All made with ingredients you have on hand in your own kitchen, so when you are short on time, and need a quick meal - this pizza recipe will be one your family will ask you for... on repeat! You can use a variety of toppings, and get creative using vegetables, meat, and cheese combinations!

Delicious -GOOD FOR YOU- Homemade Sourdough Pizza

MAKING YOUR OWN PIZZA!

It is easy to pick up the phone and dial the local pizza parlor to deliver pizza - but I promise, if you'll try making sourdough pizza yourself, you will save so much money, and enjoy an incredible feeling of knowing you made the pizza yourself!

Are you ready to get started? Here is the recipe!

Sourdough Pizza

1 cup freshly fed sourdough starter

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 cup flour

Cornmeal for pizza pan, about 1 Tbsp

Preheat oven to 475. Mix starter, salt, olive oil, and flour in a bowl, working in the flour until a soft dough forms. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes, covered. Sprinkle the pizza pan with the cornmeal. Place the dough in the center of the pizza pan and gently push the dough out to the edges, using a bit of olive oil if needed. Bake pizza for 3-5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven. Add your sauce and toppings. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bottom and top of the pizza are browned. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy!

Some ideas for yummy toppings - get creative!

• Use fresh veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach

• Use freshly grated cheese (tastes so much better!) Our favorites include Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar

• Make your own marinara sauce by simmering 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and a dash of red cooking wine together.

• A dash of red pepper flakes adds a wonderful bit of zing to the pizza!

Making food from scratch is a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the delight of making real food with no preservatives for your family to enjoy. Invite family members to join you - so whether you’re chopping vegetables, stirring a pot, or setting the table, you’re creating more than food—you’re making memories, comfort, and love.

So, why not start today? Pick a simple recipe of a meal your family will love, gather your ingredients, and let the kitchen become a place of goodness.

May your meals be nourishing, your kitchen filled with warmth, and your heart full of gratitude!

Happy cooking in the New Year of 2026!

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