8-21-2026

Sourdough programs for 2026 are in the books, but food programs continue.

August 12^th was Sourdough Day beginning with the 2026 Sourdough Bake Off. We had fewer participants this year, but thoroughly enjoyed the sampling. First place entries received a 10 lb bag of King Arthur flour and a blue ribbon. Second place received a 5 lb bag of King Arthur flour. Best in Show received a special ribbon and a set of tea towels with sayings about sourdough.

The top honors went to the Gleisner family of four who make baking bread a weekly family event. Dad Quinn signed up for the bake off that Monday after asking Leif, three years old, if he wanted to make some raisin bread. Mom Katie dropped it off fresh from the oven Wednesday morning. It was when I called to congratulate them that I learned making bread was something the four of them do together. That’s good news for the future of our bake off given that Leif is the older brother. Finch is 18 months old.

Their winning bread was an Earl Grey Raisin-Pecan Bread based on a recipe found in Ken Forkish’s Evolutions in Bread. The Gleisner version is available on our website on the Adult Program page along with last year’s recipes. The Forkish book is on order to be added to the collection.

The continuing 2026 food programs include Soup & Stocks with Char on Thursday, October 22^nd and Kitchen Quest for children 8-14 years old on the second Friday of the month. Char is a cook at 2894 On Main wishing to branch out. The intent is for her to offer a program at least once for each of our schedules. We create three a year to coincide with the Park & Rec Guide.

Soup & Stocks with Char came out of our brainstorming session as bone broth had been popping up online and soups fit the fall. I like to pick up a rotisserie chicken on the way home and make a few sides for a quick meal. The leftovers become enchiladas or chicken salad. After October 22^nd, they will also become soup.

The program will run twice to be available for more people and judge interest/best times before we schedule additional programs. The 2:00pm program will be held at the East Troy Intergenerational Community Center, while the 6:00pm program will be at the library.

More details about Kitchen Quest will be coming at a later date.