Hi, I'm Clara Vance. Welcome to The Sourdough Bench.

Artisan Baker & Kitchen Chronicler

Based in Portland, Oregon

Why I Started This Blog

I have spent the last 9 years turning flour, water, and salt into golden sourdough loaves in my home kitchen. No pretentious bakery jargon—just honest flour-dusted trials, hydration experiments, and foolproof crust tips.

Too much content online feels mass-produced, filled with buzzwords and unverified claims. I built this space to be the exact opposite: an honest, field-tested notebook where every technique has been tried in my own space.

Editorial Principles & Standards

• Hands-On Experience: Every tutorial, ratio, and recipe reflects real tests done by me.
• No Sponsored Fluff: If a tool or supply doesn't hold up under daily use, I will tell you directly.
• Accessible Learning: Breaking down complex jargon into actionable steps anyone can practice at home.

Let's Connect

Whether you're just starting out or want to share your own findings, I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out via my contact page.