Sourdough Bread
In 2020, a global trend for home cooking emerged. Thanks to social media, we saw countless stories of people discovering their hidden passion for cooking or finally having the time to explore it. Suddenly, flour became a prized commodity, yeast was hard to find, and homes around the world were filled with the delightful aromas and flavors of freshly baked bread.
Among the various types of bread that gained popularity, sourdough stood out. I wasn’t immune to this trend and began experimenting with my own sourdough loaves. Some of my attempts were magnificent, while others… well, let’s just say I struggled with the patience required for sourdough.
I tend to prefer immediate gratification, and waiting 24 hours felt too long. After several tries, I put it aside but revisited it every Thanksgiving, managing to create some delicious loaves worthy of Instagram posts. However, I hadn’t quite mastered the art of sourdough.
This year, my husband decided to “try his luck” with this culinary delicacy, and I’m glad he did! Since January 2025, he has been baking, and every loaf he makes is perfect. He masters new flavors effortlessly—I should have asked him to take over this craft long ago! I have learned from him that patience is key! Photographed are some of the loaves he has created, and of course, while he bakes sourdough, I still make the occasional French baguette, traditional Colombian cassava bread (Pan de Yuca), or Brazilian cheese bread (Pão de Queijo) in my wood-fired oven!
Woodfired Life
Cooking with Fire
I am a home cook, wife, and mother, passionate about cooking over an open fire and sharing my experiences with others.
When my husband and I built our wood-fired oven in 2020, (with a lot of help from my father-in-law)I knew it wouldn’t just be a “pizza oven.” It became a way for me to showcase my passion for cooking, experiment with new recipes, and connect with others.
My oven has served all those purposes and more! We quickly added a wood-fired grill in 2021, and in 2023, we added a wood-fired smoker. The three pieces work together perfectly to create fabulous meals.
This blog is designed to encourage you to connect with me and other wood-fired oven owners. Let’s exchange recipes, cooking tips, photos, and more!
I hope you enjoy it and connect with me via Instagram
@plated.photography1 (with professional photographs)
@vanessanino4 (for an intimate look at my life by the fire)