I had a delightful conversation with Amanda Paa. Amanda is a food stylist, the author of the “Smitten With Squash Cookbook” and prolific food blogger at HeartbeetKitchen.com, a truly wonderful blog that more recently has featured her exploration into Sourdough Bread baking.

Take a listen and you can order her starter here:

In Amanda’s words, “Trying to create a sourdough starter on your own can be difficult and take the course of 2-3 weeks. Instead, acquiring a sourdough starter from someone that is strong and mature is the easiest and most effective route! You can buy part of my mature, organic sourdough starter (wild yeast) that has been lovingly cared for and fed for over 15+ years, with original heritage from Australia! You’ll be ready to bake within a week.

You’ll also receive detailed instructions on how to feed and maintain your starter to create the wonderful sourdough bread you know and love.”

Follow Amanda on Instagram @HeartbeetKitchen or subscribe to her newsletter for all her latest recipes.

Here is a Recipe for : Zucchini Cauliflower Summer Gratin

From “Smitten With Squash Cookbook”

(serves 4)

1 large head cauliflower

kosher salt

1 1/4 pounds zucchini, coarsely grated

2 tablespoons olive oil

3/4 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)

1/4 cup milk

1/3 cup heavy cream

2/3 cup grated parmesan, divided (or more!)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Prepare the cauliflower by removing the core and breaking the rest up into smaller pieces.  Then, using a food processor (or a sharp knife), pulse the cauliflower until they are tiny pieces that resemble rice grains.  Be careful that the mixture doesn’t get mushy.  You may have to do this in batches.  You should yield about 3 1/2 cups.

Preheat oven to 375°F.  Lightly coat a shallow baking dish with olive oil and set aside. Stir 1 teaspoon salt and grated zucchini together, then place colander set over a bowl to drain.  In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add onions and a big pinch of salt, and cook stirring, until softened, about 4-5 minutes.   Meanwhile, squeeze handfuls of zucchini over a bowl to catch the juices, removing most of the water from the zucchini, yielding 2/3 cup shreds.

When the onion is softened, reduce heat to medium and stir in the cauliflower, garlic, zucchini, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and pepper.  Cook for about 7-8 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.  Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine.  Gradually stir in reserved zucchini water, milk, and cream, maintaining heat at medium so dairy does not curdle.  Cook for 2-3 minutes so liquid absorbs slightly. Remove from heat.  Stir in 1/3 cup parmesan, rosemary, and parsley.  Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes.  Remove from oven and top with remaining cheese (or more, if you like).  Return to the oven for another 10 or so minutes until gratin is brown and bubbly.  Sometimes I put the gratin under the broiler to brown up a bit faster for the final minute or two.

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