Sara Dougherty - Brain Scape Books

Hi there! I’m Sara Dougherty, a passionate home baker and advocate for sustainable, zero-waste cooking. For years, I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen, learning how to turn every bit of sourdough discard into something truly wonderful. My journey with sourdough began as a simple hobby, but it quickly grew into a passion as I realized just how much we can do with the ingredients we already have—without wasting a single crumb.

As a busy mom, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals for the family while juggling the demands of everyday life. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to create recipes that are not only nutritious but also time-saving and practical for busy households like mine.

My approach to cooking is simple: food should be delicious, wholesome, and sustainable. I love the idea of turning what might be considered “scraps” into dishes that can nourish both body and soul. My hope is that this cookbook will inspire you to get creative in your kitchen, reduce waste, and make the most of your sourdough discard.

When I’m not baking, I enjoy spending time with my family, trying out new recipes, and sharing my experiences with the vibrant community of home bakers that has grown around me. I truly believe that with the right mindset and a little bit of creativity, anyone can transform their kitchen into a place of sustainability, joy, and delicious meals.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can’t wait to see how you bring these recipes to life in your own home!

Discover My Books

Sourdough Discard Recipes Cookbook

Transform your sourdough discard into quick, healthy, and zero-waste meals! Perfect for busy moms, this cookbook is packed with simple recipes, time-saving tips, and a 28-day meal plan to reduce waste and bring flavorful, homemade dishes to your table.

Discover

Creating Artisan Loaves: The Role of Hydration in Sourdough

Hydration—the ratio of water to flour in your dough—is one of the most important factors in sourdough baking. It directly influences the dough’s texture, rise, and crumb structure, as well as the overall flavor and difficulty of handling the dough....

Choosing the Best Flour for Your Sourdough: A Guide to Grain

Flour is the backbone of sourdough bread, and the type you choose greatly influences the flavor, texture, and rise of your loaf. Each type of grain brings its own characteristics to the dough, from the nutty complexity of whole wheat...

Mastering the Stretch and Fold: Techniques for Gluten Development

The stretch and fold technique is a cornerstone of sourdough baking, allowing bakers to develop gluten strength without the intensive kneading required for other bread recipes. This gentle method encourages elasticity and structure in the dough, leading to an open...

Sourdough Fermentation: Understanding Bulk vs. Final Proof

Fermentation is the heart of sourdough baking, transforming simple ingredients into flavorful, airy bread. Two key stages—bulk fermentation and final proofing—play crucial roles in the development of texture, flavor, and structure. Understanding the differences and mastering these stages can elevate...

Sourdough and Sustainability: How to Bake with the Planet in Mind

Baking sourdough bread is not just about creating delicious loaves—it’s an opportunity to make sustainable choices that benefit both your health and the planet. From using local and organic ingredients to reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly baking practices, sourdough offers...

The Essential Guide to Sourdough Troubleshooting: Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Sourdough baking is a rewarding process, but it can sometimes feel like an unpredictable adventure. From flat loaves to overly sour flavors, every baker encounters challenges along the way. The good news? Most sourdough problems have simple solutions. In this...