The Complete Sourdough Cookbook

I began making sourdough bread and other treats back in the 70's. I had several books, but this one was by far my favorite. Not only did I love many of the recipes, but I also enjoyed the stories. Sourdough purists complain about the use of commercial yeast, but I tried "capturing" bacteria for a starter with no luck. I used yeast for the starter, but from there on I simply fed it and used it without additional yeast. It may take a bit longer then making other yeast breads (and I baked a lot of my own bread back then), but patience pays off in flavor and texture. Over the years with lots of moves and lifestyle changes I got away from making sourdough, but now that I am settled back down I'm looking forward to getting back into it and will enjoy being reunited with this book - my old friend!

This book is the Grand-daddy of Sourdough cookbooks. It is a great read full of recipes and stories behind the recipes. Highly recommended.

I sent this to my son that is a cook. He will get many years of great bread.

Awesome book. Besides the history that is noted in the book, the recipes are totally AWESOME!

So what if this book has a starter recipe that calls for commercial yeast? So what if Don does a lot of Storytelling in the book? It seems to me this book was written with the home cooking enthusiast in mind, with recipes made for modern kitchens... the small amount of yeast added to the starter is meant to jump start it for cooks who can't wait to experiment with the myriad of delectable recipes contained in this book... I have tried several and they are all superb... I even add a little of the starter to the bread I make in my bread machine... delicious... Plus there are about a half dozen additional starter methods in this book that don't require yeast... As for the Storytelling, Don's stories provide a glimpse into an era I'll never be able to experience firsthand... I love Don's Writing Style... So, if you are thinking about buying this book, take it from me... ignore the negative reviews and low ratings that some customers have given this book, and buy it... you will be glad you did :)

Excellent recipes. Our family was brought up on "the old doctors sourdough bread"and it's our granddaughter's favorite.The english muffins and the pizza dough are well worth trying.The chocolate cake is superb.The anecdotes make for easy reading.I just bought two copies as our original-bought in the early seventies is just about worn out.