Meet Bethesda: The Heart and Soul of My Sourdough Journey
Today, I want to introduce you to someone very special in my kitchen. Well technically two someone’s. They aren’t just any sourdough starters—they are the heart and soul of my baking adventures. I decided to name both my traditional sourdough starter and my potato flake sourdough starter Bethesda. I was stuck on the “name” and so many people name their starters I was stumped. The name Bethesda means the “House of Mercy or House of Grace,” I chose this name as a daily reminder of grace, patience, and the beauty of authenticity, both in the kitchen and in my life.
When I first started the sourdough journey, I had no idea what I was in for. Like many of you, I’d heard the stories—how starters could be temperamental, how they could be finicky about the temperature or the flour, how they demanded time and attention. But as I worked through timing and feeding the starters, I realized something beautiful: sourdough is all about grace.
In life, as in baking, we don’t always get it right the first time. The sourdough journey has taught me that it’s okay to make mistakes, to have off days, and to give myself—and others—the grace to try again. Some days, she’s bubbly and active, ready to create the perfect loaf. Other days, she’s a little slower, needing extra care and a bit more time. And that’s okay. Just like those we interact with on a daily basis, sourdough doesn’t demand perfection; just consistency and care.
Baking with Bethesda
Every recipe that comes out of my oven is a little different, and that’s part of the magic. Baking just reminds me to embracing the process, not just the end result. Just like each of us, every treat has its own unique character—its own story. Some are a bit rustic, with beautiful cracks and imperfections. Others rise perfectly, golden and smooth.
In a world that often pushes for perfection, this whole journey reminds me to celebrate the real, the raw, and the perfectly imperfect. It’s my daily nudge to live authentically, to embrace who I am, and to give grace—both to myself and to those around me.
Grace in the Kitchen and Beyond
As I have gotten deeper into sourdough, Bethesda’s name, “House of Grace,” isn’t just about the treats they end up baking. It’s about creating a space where grace is at the forefront. Whether it’s forgiving myself for a less-than-perfect loaf or extending kindness to someone who needs it, Bethesda is a constant reminder that grace is something we can all give and receive, every day.
And here’s the thing—grace doesn’t need to be grand or complicated. It’s in the small moments, the everyday actions. It’s in feeding a sourdough starter that isn’t quite as lively as you hoped, in sharing a slightly imperfect loaf with a neighbor, or in taking a moment to breathe and appreciate the process. It’s a practice in mindfulness, in being present, and in giving myself the space to be real, and as I share her with friends, family, and all of you, I hope that your sourdough can be a reminder to embrace the grace in your life.
So, whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just starting out, remember that it’s not about perfection. It’s about the journey, the love, and the grace you bring to each step along the way.
Here’s to Bethesda, to grace, and to living an authentic life. Happy baking! 🥖💛
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