Freezing sourdough successfully with Lovingly Artisan
Squirrelling your frozen Sourdough is all about a little good housekeeping!
What does smug feel like? To us, it feels like you have a few of your favourite sourdoughs squirrelled away for all of those just in case moments, the unexpected arrivals of hungry friends.
There is something rather smug – ish about having a secret stash, and in our case it’s a Danish Rugrod hidden away, well, not too hidden in the freezer. But hidden and on reserve, squirrelling sourdough must not be confused with panic buying. It’s about being a good host, always having something welcoming up your sleeve, available at all of those short notice occasions. Freezing sourdough with Lovingly Artisan, should be hassle free, we will even gift you the freezer bags!
Aidan and I like to have a spare. You may be forgiven in our house for running out of sourdough crackers or cereals but not bread! Especially Rugbrod, it’s our go-to with cheese; and all cheese is a must-do with smoked salmon, toasted to absolute taste perfection. Let’s call Rugbrod a freezer essential alongside ice and peas! Hence the recommendation for squirrelling sourdough in the freezer as this week’s encouragement. Think about what you would like to squirrel away, start with a little menu planning, freezing sourdough is all about having hidden away, a few of your favourites.
Last year we were all staved of guests. Having folks around was frowned upon in 2020, So for many of us this included missing feeding our mates. This year I plan to be prepared and be ready to organise quite a few gatherings over the festive period. It’s the first year when we also have quite a few days off. Hooray from the Monks House Hold we cheer, as we adore Christmas and all the celebrations. In fact, alongside squirrelling Sourdough, we are squirrelling away a few of our favourite wines. I must confess I have already bought the yearly tin of quality street as this is a Monks household tradition for Christmas Eve.
But the question is why? What is my motive for all this squirrelling talk? Put simply – Hospitality.
We love a full house feeding foodies.
So if you are anything like Aidan and me, let us give you a few freezing sourdough tips on how best to Squirrel away your sourdough.
Our sourdough freezes brilliantly.
Tips:
Your loaves will appear and feel far better if frozen on the bake day if you order online. Freeze your sourdough loaves on arrival, and they will be brilliant if buying from Altrincham Market or our Bread Store in Kendal, so you can freeze your sourdough straight away on the day of purchase.
1. Pack each sourdough loaf separately in a size appropriate freezer bag or our Lovingly Artisan waxed bags
2. If you have a full freezer, place your loaf on its side to prevent damage. Placing your loaf on its side often creates more space too
3. Don’t be tempted to overpack your freezer, as something may suffer.
If your loaves are being ordered via our online website for toasting, we are more than happy to slice your loaves for you! This gives you the option of removing a few slices at a time – Super smug squirrelling freezing sourdough status now.
To defrost:
1. Remove your sourdough loaf from its freezer bag, and allow it to defrost naturally at room temperature.
2. Then return to a clean and dry Lovingly Artisan waxed bag and, even better, pop in a bread bin.
All of our loaves, especially the ciabatta, freeze brilliantly. They will not last forever. We recommend 6 – 8 weeks; many of our customers tell us longer, yet we want you and your guest to have the best experience. Your loaves shouldn’t feel frozen, just fresh and ready to devour.
We are all about the ” Say it with Sourdough this Christmas.”
Catherine x
