Effortless Sourdough Baking: Discover Red Star Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast & Our Chicago Baking Adventure!

This post is sponsored by Red Star. The opinions and text are all mine.

Embarking on a culinary journey to Chicago a few weeks ago was an unforgettable experience, all thanks to Red Star and the highly anticipated launch of their new Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast. This two-day event was an incredible opportunity, packed with learning, delicious food, and the fantastic company of fellow bloggers who share a passion for baking. It was an inspiring deep dive into the world of yeast and dough, promising to revolutionize home baking for enthusiasts everywhere.

Our adventure began at the renowned North American Pizza and Culinary Academy in Lisle, IL, where we immersed ourselves in the art of pizza making from scratch. Beyond the dough, we indulged in an array of exquisite dishes and later had the unique privilege of visiting La Fournette, a distinguished bakery in Chicago. Every moment was a testament to the power of quality ingredients and expert guidance, especially with Red Star’s innovative new product at the heart of our explorations.

Revolutionizing Breakfast: Sourdough Made Easy at the Pizza Academy

Our very first stop at the North American Pizza and Culinary Academy set the tone for the entire trip. We were greeted with an impressive spread of breakfast options, all expertly crafted using Red Star’s Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast. This wasn’t just any yeast; it was a revelation. It promised the authentic, tangy flavor of sourdough without the notorious complexities of maintaining a traditional sourdough starter. No more feeding schedules, no more discard, and no more worries about a starter’s health. This product truly makes sourdough baking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

The taste was undeniably there – a rich, distinctive sourdough flavor that elevated every baked good we tried. From fluffy pancakes to delicate pastries, the yeast delivered on its promise. What makes this product even more remarkable is its ease of use: the Platinum Instant Sourdough yeast packets are a simple 1:1 substitute for Red Star’s standard 7-gram dry yeast packets, making it effortless to incorporate into any existing recipe. While I savored every item, the soft pretzels, with their perfectly chewy texture and subtle sourdough tang, quickly became my personal favorite. They demonstrated the incredible versatility and impact of this innovative yeast.

Unlocking the Secrets of Perfect Pizza Dough

After a delightful sourdough-infused breakfast, our focus shifted to the craft of pizza making. Under the expert guidance of Leo Spizzirri, we embarked on a comprehensive journey into creating pizza dough from scratch, once again utilizing the Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast. Leo’s passion for pizza was contagious, and his deep understanding of ingredients and techniques was truly enlightening. He stressed that the foundation of a great pizza lies in the quality and balance of its components, and his advice was invaluable.

One of the most significant takeaways from Leo’s class was the profound difference that specific, high-quality ingredients can make in homemade pizza dough. He meticulously outlined his preferred components, explaining the reasoning behind each choice:

00 Flour: This very finely ground flour, popular in Italy, creates a dough that is soft, elastic, and develops an incredibly tender yet crispy crust when baked. Its low protein content helps achieve that signature Neapolitan-style chew.
Water with a pH Level between 6.5-6.8: The pH of water can significantly impact yeast activity and gluten development. Maintaining this specific range ensures optimal fermentation and dough structure, contributing to a more flavorful and perfectly risen crust.
High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Not just for flavor, a good extra virgin olive oil adds richness, helps tenderize the dough, and contributes to a beautiful golden crust. The quality of the oil truly shines through in the final product.
Fine Sea Salt: Essential for flavor and controlling yeast activity, fine sea salt dissolves easily and distributes evenly throughout the dough, preventing overly salty pockets and enhancing the overall taste profile.
A High-Quality Yeast like Red Star Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast: This is arguably the most critical ingredient. A reliable, active yeast ensures consistent rise and texture. Red Star’s Platinum Instant Sourdough yeast not only performs consistently but also infuses the dough with that sought-after complex sourdough flavor, giving your homemade pizza an authentic artisanal touch without any extra fuss.

The Art of Hand-Stretching Pizza Dough

Following the dough preparation, we moved on to another crucial skill: stretching pizza dough by hand, bypassing the dreaded rolling pin. I’ll admit, this technique proved to be far more challenging than it looked! However, with Leo’s patient instruction, we learned some invaluable tips that transformed our approach:

Never Use a Rolling Pin: This was perhaps the most emphatic piece of advice. A rolling pin crushes all the precious air bubbles formed during fermentation, which are vital for a light, airy, and beautifully textured pizza crust. Hand stretching preserves these bubbles, resulting in a superior texture.
Keep Your Work Surface Completely Dry: A dry surface prevents the dough from sticking excessively, allowing it to glide and stretch smoothly without tearing. This control is crucial for achieving an even thickness.
Use Flour Sparingly: While a little flour can prevent sticking, too much will burn in the hot oven, leading to a bitter taste and a dusty crust. Leo demonstrated a clever trick: only use an amount of flour that fits between your index and middle finger each time, just enough to lightly dust the dough as you work. This ensures optimal results without sacrificing flavor or texture.

The Pizza Challenge: Unleashing Culinary Creativity

Armed with our freshly stretched sourdough pizza bases, we entered the “pizza challenge.” This was our chance to get creative and design our own culinary masterpieces. As a lover of classic, hearty pizzas, I gravitated towards an abundance of meat and cheese toppings. The array of ingredients available was fantastic, allowing everyone to craft a pizza that reflected their personal taste.

Once all the pizzas emerged from the oven, fragrant and bubbling, we had the delightful task of sampling each other’s creations. Every pizza was incredibly delicious, showcasing the versatility of the dough and the unique topping combinations. It was a genuinely tough challenge to pick a favorite amongst such an impressive display of talent!

A Journey to Artisanal Excellence: Visiting La Fournette

After savoring our homemade pizzas for lunch, our next captivating stop was La Fournette, an authentic French bakery in Chicago. Stepping inside their main production facility, where all the bread for their storefronts is lovingly made, was a sensory delight. The air was thick with the aroma of freshly baked bread, a symphony of warm, yeasty notes that promised pure indulgence. Chef Pierre Zimmermann, a true master baker, graciously guided us through the facility, offering insights into the intricate processes of large-scale artisanal baking.

The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly watching Deborah Ott, a celebrated world baking champion, in action. We stood in awe as she skillfully rolled and shaped baguettes and croissants with a mesmerizing combination of speed, precision, and artistry. Her movements were fluid and practiced, a testament to years of dedication to her craft. It was inspiring to witness such a high level of expertise firsthand.

Following this incredible demonstration, we had the pleasure of taste-testing some of La Fournette’s exquisite breads. Each bite was a celebration of flavor and texture, from the crispy crusts to the tender interiors. As a truly generous parting gift, Chef Pierre even sent us home with a freshly baked loaf of French baguette, still warm and fragrant. It was the perfect culmination of an inspiring day, a tangible reminder of the beauty and skill involved in creating truly exceptional bread.

Red Star Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast: Your Sourdough Solution

This entire trip was an absolutely fantastic experience, filled with learning, connection, and culinary delights. Meeting other passionate bloggers and sharing this journey made it even more special. At the core of it all was Red Star’s groundbreaking Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast, a product poised to change how we approach sourdough baking at home. Let’s recap its key features and why it’s a must-have for any baker:

Foolproof Yeast & Authentic Sourdough Flavor in One Packet: This is the ultimate convenience. You get the reliable performance of instant yeast combined with the distinct, complex taste of real sourdough, all without the hassle of maintaining a starter.
Versatile for Any Yeast Recipe: It’s incredibly adaptable. Simply substitute it for regular dry yeast in any of your favorite recipes to infuse them with that coveted authentic sourdough flavor. Think beyond bread – imagine sourdough bagels, pretzels, or even sweet rolls!
Convenient Conversion: One 18-gram packet of Platinum Instant Sourdough easily replaces one standard 7-gram packet of dry yeast, simplifying your recipe conversions.
Generous Yield: A single packet is designed to effectively raise dough made with up to 4 cups of flour (approximately 1 pound), making it suitable for most standard baking projects.

Inspiring New Baking Adventures with Sourdough

Coming home from Chicago, I was brimming with inspiration and countless ideas for how to integrate Red Star’s Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast into my own baking repertoire. Its ease of use and consistent results open up a world of possibilities for home bakers. I’m particularly excited to try it in these classic recipes, reimagining them with a delightful sourdough twist:

Homemade Soft Pretzels: The sourdough tang will undoubtedly elevate these chewy, salty delights, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor to a beloved snack.
Perfect Pizza Dough: As proven at the Academy, this yeast creates an exceptional pizza crust with a wonderful chew and authentic flavor. I’m eager to replicate that magic in my home kitchen.
Elevated Dinner Rolls: I’m planning to adapt my Grandma’s classic cinnamon roll dough to create amazing sourdough dinner rolls. The slight acidity from the sourdough will provide a beautiful counterpoint to the richness of the rolls, making them even more irresistible.
Rustic Breads: Imagine crusty, open-crumbed loaves with deep sourdough flavor, achievable with minimal effort.
Sourdough Bagels: The chewiness and subtle tang of a homemade sourdough bagel would be an absolute dream.
Focaccia: A fluffy, olive oil-rich focaccia infused with sourdough notes would be perfect for dipping or sandwiches.

“Sourdough It Up” Sweepstakes: Your Chance to Win!

To celebrate this exciting new product, Red Star is hosting their incredible “Sourdough It Up” Sweepstakes, offering you the chance to win one of five fantastic $500 baking prize packages! This is an amazing opportunity for any baking enthusiast. If you’re interested in entering, here are all the essential details:

How to Enter: Use Platinum Instant Sourdough from Red Star to “sourdough up” your favorite yeast recipe. Let your creativity shine and transform a classic!
Photo Requirement: Take a clear photo of your final baked product, ensuring that a packet of Red Star Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast is visible in the picture. This confirms you’ve used the star ingredient!
Share on Instagram: Share your captivating photo on Instagram. Make sure to use the official hashtags #SourdoughItUp and tag @RedStarYeast in your picture. This ensures your entry is seen and counted.
Public Account: Your photo must be shared from a public Instagram account for your entry to be valid.
Entry Dates: Mark your calendars! The sweepstakes runs from September 16 – October 31, 2019.
Entry Limit: You can submit a maximum of five (5) entries per person. Remember, each entry must feature a unique photo that meets all the specified requirements.
Eligibility: This sweepstakes is exclusively open to US residents.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your baking skills and potentially win big! You can learn even more about Red Star’s groundbreaking Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast here and even request a free sample to kickstart your sourdough journey. I’m genuinely excited about this product and can’t wait to hear how you incorporate it into your own recipes and what delicious creations you come up with!