Ben Bahil Teaches the Art of Sourdough Bread Baking

Ben Bahil studied journalism in college before he studied baking at King Arthur Baking in Vermont. When he’s not rolling dough to teach breadmaking classes, or fathering his three boys, he’s designing data analytics interfaces for hospitals. Needless to say, Ben understands how science and storytelling intersect in the process of baking sourdough.

“I started because I wanted an inexpensive hobby and I love fresh bread,” says Ben, who spent three years perfecting his sourdough bread technique and has taught hundreds of people to bake over six years of classes.

“I also love the active part of baking, which is one of the only things that keeps my mind present and my hands off my phone. And, of course, the passive part of baking is also rewarding. I love knowing that fermentation and proofing are happening even when I'm lying on the couch.”

In his classes, held at farms, breweries and other retail sites, Ben condenses steps of a multi-day process into two hours, which means preparing dough in three different stages for demonstration. But the most important step is the sourdough starter, which ferments the dough, giving it a distinctive tang and making it easier for some people to digest. His starter is called “Fred,” and he doles out a little portion to each student in class.

From there he takes students through mixing, kneading ("the most fun part”), shaping, baking and then, of course, eating. Students learn how variations in the ratio of flour to water, known as “hydration,” can affect texture, so they can experiment with different styles at home.

Prepped with good advice about care and feeding, class participants get a starter to take home and dough to bake until they mix up their own. And if they nurture their starter dutifully, students can share the lineage of “Fred” with new generations of sourdough enthusiasts.

To enroll in future baking workshops, visit hoamsy.com

Sign up for his upcoming class, Saturday, Nov 16, West Glow Farm Kingston Springs 1-3 at hoamsy.com

Finding Some Starter

People with starters are often eager to share. Ask a baking friend or a friendly bakery. Ben doles out starter and dough at his workshops. Dozen Bakery gives away starter free with a purchase. Or order starter through King Arthur at kingarthur.com.