My journey into sourdough began with a simple desire: to bake wholesome, nourishing bread for my family. From the very first loaf, I knew I didn’t want just any everyday sourdough starter — I wanted a heritage starter, one with a story, age, and resilience behind it. Being of Norwegian heritage and fascinated by Viking history and culture, I sought out a sourdough culture from Norway that had been nurtured across generations. That starter is now the beating heart of every bake

Like many sourdough bakers do, I decided to give my starter a name. I was drawn to the name Astrid because I thought it’s meaning, “strong and beautiful,” fit what I hoped she would be, and boy is she! This starter embodies patience, resilience, and quiet strength. Working with her has become a grounding ritual of touch, timing, and transformation — a practice that began as a labor of love for my family but soon grew into a passion for sharing good bread with friends, neighbors, and a wider community.

At Astrid’s Kitchen, the motto Shieldmaiden of Sourdough. Keeper of the Crust. reflects the spirit behind each bake: craft, courage, and care poured into every loaf. Small batches, slow fermentation, and hand shaping coax depth of flavor and texture from simple ingredients. This is bread rooted in tradition but made for the present — hearty, honest, and meant to be shared.