Building a Starter & Baking Parker House Rolls at Home There’s something deeply satisfying about baking with a sourdough starter. It’s part science, part ritual, and part intuition—and once you’ve worked with one, it’s easy to understand why people keep starters alive for decades. At Shookhill Secret, we’ve been baking bread with sourdough starters for over twenty years, and our current starter is more than six years old. It lives quietly in the refrigerator, gets fed regularly, and shows up whenever we’re in the mood to bake something comforting and familiar. That said, we’re also the first to say this: maintaining a sourdough starter is not for everyone—and that’s perfectly fine. Baking should feel enjoyable, not stressful. Whether you want to dive deep into sourdough or simply dabble, there’s room for both approaches. What Is a Sourdough Starter, Really? At its most basic, a sourdough starter is a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast from the environment. Over time, with regular feedings, it becomes active enough to leaven bread naturally—no commercial yeast required. The result is bread with more depth of flavor, better texture, and that subtle tang sourdough is known for. Starters are wonderfully forgiving. They don’t need perfection, just consistency. And once established, they can be incredibly resilient. Two Ways to Get Started If the idea of starting from scratch feels intimidating, here’s some good news: you don’t have to. Option One: Borrow a StarterThis is our favorite shortcut. If you know someone who bakes with sourdough, ask for 30–40 grams of their starter. That small amount is enough to get you going and often produces faster, more reliable results. We share ours with friends in the area all the time! Option Two: Make Your Own StarterIf you’d like to create one from scratch, it’s surprisingly simple. Basic Sourdough Starter Recipe Day 1: Mix 50g bread flour with 50g water in a larger glass jar with a lid. We use King Arthur Unbleached Bread Flour. Stir, cover loosely, and let sit at room temperature. Days 2–5: Discard half the mixture each day. Feed with 50g flour + 50g water. Stir and loosely cover. By day 5–7, your starter should be bubbly, active, and slightly tangy-smelling. Once it reliably doubles within a few hours of feeding, it’s ready to bake with. Feeding & Maintaining Your Starter We keep things simple. If baking frequently, keep your starter at room temperature and feed daily. If baking occasionally, store it in the refrigerator and feed weekly. The goal is to keep it healthy—not perfect. And remember: if sourdough feels like too much work at any point, it’s okay to step back. You can still bake beautiful bread with commercial yeast. Our Favorite Way to Use a Starter: Parker House Rolls When it comes to gatherings (like our Superbowl slider sandwiches), holidays, or cozy dinners at home, Parker House rolls are a go-to. Soft, buttery, and comforting, they’re the kind of roll everyone reaches for twice. Using sourdough starter adds depth of flavor without making them overly tangy. Sourdough Parker House Rolls (Overview)These rolls are enriched with milk, butter, and eggs, making them tender and lightly sweet. The dough is folded before baking—classic Parker House style—which creates that signature soft center. We typically make the dough earlier in the day (or even the night before), let it rise slowly, shape the rolls, and bake just before serving. The aroma alone is worth it. Whether you use a long-loved starter, one borrowed from a friend, or a brand-new starter you made yourself, these rolls are a beautiful introduction to baking with sourdough. Why We Love Sourdough—Without the Pressure Sourdough baking doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can bake occasionally, feed your starter when it suits you, and still enjoy the process. And if today isn’t the season for starters, that’s okay too. Baking should feel grounding, not demanding. For us, sourdough is about slowing down, using simple ingredients, and sharing something warm with the people we love. And honestly, that’s what Parker House rolls, and baking bread in general, are all about.
Cooking
A Cozy Valentine’s Dinner…
Beef Stew, Mashed Potatoes & Simple Romance Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to mean crowded restaurants or prix-fixe menus. Some of our favorite celebrations happen right at home, especially in the heart of winter when comfort food and candlelight feel particularly inviting. This year, we’re leaning into a cozy, comforting Valentine’s dinner that’s rich, unfussy, and deeply satisfying — the kind of meal that feels thoughtful without being overly complicated. Our go-to? A slow-simmered beef stew, made in our favorite Le Creuset Dutch Oven, served over a generous bed of creamy mashed potatoes, with warm Parker House rolls on the side and a good red wine in your glass. It’s classic, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Why Comfort Food Works for Valentine’s Day Winter calls for meals that warm you from the inside out. Beef stew is one of those dishes that feels like a hug — rich, savory, and best when it’s had time to simmer slowly. It’s also an ideal Valentine’s meal because it can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on setting the mood rather than managing a last-minute cooking schedule. Serving the stew over mashed potatoes makes it feel a little extra special. The potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully, turning a simple bowl of stew into something worthy of a romantic dinner. Add a basket of Parker House rolls — soft, buttery, and perfect for dipping — and the meal feels complete. Pair everything with a full-bodied red wine, something you already love and enjoy drinking together. There’s no need to overthink it; the goal is comfort and connection. Set the Table, Set the Mood What transforms a simple meal into a Valentine’s dinner is the atmosphere. We like to keep the table setting elegant but relaxed — nothing overly formal or fussy. Start with what you already have. A clean tablecloth or runner, your everyday dinnerware, and a few candles go a long way. Candlelight instantly softens the room and makes even the most familiar space feel special. Add a fresh floral centerpiece — it doesn’t have to be elaborate. A simple arrangement of seasonal flowers or a wrapped flowering plant is more than enough. Add one of our favorite cordless lamps to the center of the arrangement and you have an elevated special look. Finish it off with your favorite playlist playing softly in the background. Music helps set the pace of the evening and creates a sense of intention. Whether it’s soft jazz, acoustic favorites, or songs that mean something to you as a couple, it’s a small detail that makes a big difference. A Valentine’s Dinner That Feels Easy One of the things we love most about this menu is how practical it is. The beef stew can be made earlier in the day (or even better, the day before), reheated gently, and served when you’re ready. The mashed potatoes can be prepared ahead and warmed just before dinner, and the rolls can be baked while you enjoy a glass of wine together. Finish the evening with a plate of chocolates to share. This approach keeps the evening relaxed — no rushing, no stress, and no juggling multiple dishes at the last minute. Instead, you’re free to sit down, enjoy the meal, and actually spend time together. Romantic Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated Valentine’s Day is really about being present. A comforting meal, a thoughtfully set table, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere are often more meaningful than anything extravagant. This cozy winter dinner is proof that romance can be simple, personal, and incredibly satisfying. Light the candles, pour the wine, and enjoy a meal that’s meant to be shared.