Month: March 2025

Exploring AI in Literacy: My Journey to Creating a Culturally Responsive Teaching Tool

March 31, 2025 / Shasta Hanna / 2 Comments

Hi Everyone, Welcome to my ted talk! Just kidding!

But in all seriousness, this week had me pondering how I would be able to share with the class how I would use AI in my teaching practices, when in fact my students where teachers themselves! I wasn’t sure how I’d connect AI to my role as a Literacy Consultant—but what unfolded was an exciting and meaningful process that helped me see AI in a new light.

Where I Started

I support First Nations teachers across several communities, helping them strengthen their literacy programs. A major challenge we often face is how to meet the diverse reading levels in a single classroom, while still using culturally relevant materials that reflect students’ identities and lived experiences. When asked to explore an AI engine I wasn’t as familiar with, I immediately thought: “What if AI could help teachers with differentiation?” The tool I used was Perplexity mainly. Since I am quite familiar with Chatgpt, I chose to try out a different engine. I also tried out Speechify (highly recommend this tool, but buy the upgraded version, it’s well worth it) for the speech-to-text portion of the video and I even figured out how to make a video straight from PowerPoint… I was today years old when I found out it could do this!

Shaping the Idea

With some brainstorming and guidance, I developed the idea of using AI to create levelled versions of culturally responsive texts. (For the younger students, these texts would most likely have to align with skills they have already learned and be a somewhat decodable text, but for the older students they would be levelled texts) Teachers could take one meaningful story or passage and use an AI tool like ChatGPT to:

Simplify or enrich the reading for different levels
Generate vocabulary lists with definitions
Create differentiated comprehension questions (literal, inferential, evaluative)

The goal wasn’t to replace teacher-created content, but to make high-quality differentiation faster and more accessible—especially in schools where time and resources are stretched thin.

Building the PowerPoint

Once I had my concept, I created a PowerPoint presentation to walk others through the process. Slide by slide, I shared:

The challenges we face in literacy instruction
How AI can support teachers and students
A sample AI prompt educators could use
The cultural importance of using First Nations content in the classroom

I also included practical tools and emphasized that AI should always be used thoughtfully and with the teacher’s guidance. The presentation ended up being something I’d feel confident using in professional development with the educators I support.

I also modelled a speech-to-text app called Speechify to show how teachers can use the tool as a way to engage students who are dyslexic or have reading difficulties and need to hear the information orally (in addition to trying to read the information). I found a voice I thought was calming and it happened to be the voice of Gweneth Paltrow, which I thought was an added “cool” effect for teachers and students to hear her voice while learning about reading.

I employ you to watch the short 4-minute PowerPoint I created for teachers to learn about how they could incorporate AI into their classrooms, all while I shine a light on a differentiation strategy they could use for giving students access to texts they can confidently read with their peers, meeting them where they are at, all while still allowing them to be a part of the comprehension conversation afterwards. ENJOY! Take what you can from it.

Reflecting on the Process

What surprised me most was how natural this integration felt. AI wasn’t some flashy new gadget—it became a support system for inclusive, identity-affirming literacy instruction. I loved that I could still center First Nations voices, values, and languages while using technology to strengthen how we reach every learner.

This project reminded me that innovation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes, it’s about finding small, powerful ways to make good teaching even better.

Looking Ahead

I’m already thinking of ways to expand this approach. What if we used AI to co-create bilingual texts with local language keepers? What if students used AI as writing partners to build confidence in their voice? The possibilities are exciting—and rooted in our commitment to culturally sustaining education.

Have you tried using AI in your classroom or coaching work? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to connect!

Week 11: Dough-na-tella’s Big Week of Tripling Recipes, Overflowing Starters & Three Perfect Loaves

March 31, 2025 / Shasta Hanna / 2 Comments

This week in my sourdough journey with my beloved starter, Dough-na-tella, I took a pretty big leap — and it actually turned out really well! I’ve been slowly learning the ropes, but this week I decided to challenge myself with a new recipe and scale things up in a big way.

It all started when I was approached by a coworker who knew I was on this journey and she requested if I would make her two loaves of bread if she paid me $20. So ofcourse I accepted the challenge but also warned her that the level of expertise I had in this journey was only beginning. She didn’t care one bit, and the deal was done! So… Off I went.

I followed the Homemade Sourdough Bread (Step-by-Step) recipe from AlexandraCooks.com — and instead of just sticking to a single batch, I went ahead and tripled it. (Go big or go home, right?)

From that one ambitious batch, I ended up making three different kinds of dough:

A regular sourdough loaf
A jalapeño cheddar loaf (spicy, cheesy, and so good)
And a cheddar loaf that I baked in a traditional loaf pan, just to try something new.

The first two loaves were actually made for a coworker who requested them — so not only was I baking for others, but I also had to figure out how to expand my starter to accommodate the extra baking. I learned pretty quickly that Dough-na-tella is very enthusiastic when she gets fed.

Maybe too enthusiastic…

Let’s just say, I went a little overboard. I ended up with way too much starter — so much that I ran out of containers to store it in. The fridge started looking like a bubbly science experiment, and eventually, the starter began overflowing. Lesson learned: Dough-na-tella is healthy, hungry, and does not like to be contained!

Even though it got a bit chaotic, all three loaves turned out beautifully — crusty on the outside, soft and tangy on the inside. It was incredibly satisfying to see the results of everything I’ve learned so far. One of the coolest discoveries this week was seeing just how alive my starter really is. Even after chilling in the fridge, she still grows big and bubbly as long as she’s been fed.

This week reminded me that sourdough is all about learning through doing — experimenting, adjusting, and sometimes making a bit of a mess. And honestly? I’m loving every second of it.

Next up: finding more recipes to use up all that starter… maybe pancakes or crackers? What kind of Discard recipes do you think I should try next?!

Until next time, happy baking from me and Dough-na-tella 🍞💛

Week 10: Trying Something New- Creating My Learning Journey Video on TikTok

March 24, 2025 / Shasta Hanna / 4 Comments

Trying Something New- Creating My Learning Journey Video on TikTok

For this week’s learning journey, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try something completely new — using TikTok to create my video reflection. I had never used TikTok before and didn’t even have an account until today, but I was pleasantly surprised by how intuitive and user-friendly it was. Honestly, I made my video in half the time it usually takes me!

The editing tools were super straightforward, and I appreciated how easy it was to trim clips, add text, and play around with the transitions. For someone brand new to the platform, the process felt surprisingly smooth. I can see why it’s such a popular app — it made content creation feel approachable and even a little fun.

Not only was TikTok an easy platform to post and download videos from, but I also dug into some researchers who have looked at the impacts of students using the platform to learn about other subjects such as Science. TikTok might seem like an unconventional classroom, but it has all the markings of a rich educational environment: shared content, collaborative learning, trial and error, and feedback from others walking a similar path. As I scroll through sourdough tips and post my own rising successes (and flat failures), I’m reminded of how powerful it is to learn in public—and how platforms like TikTok democratize knowledge sharing.

I recently came across a journal article that perfectly captures what I’ve been reflecting on. In TikTok: An Emergent Opportunity for Teaching and Learning Science Communication Online, Abigail G. B. Radin and Caitlin J. Light (2022) (click here for full article) explore how students used TikTok to creatively communicate science concepts. Through short-form videos, they engaged audiences, simplified complex ideas, and built real-world science communication skills (a lot like some of the teachers in this class are doing with their classrooms for their learning journey assignment). As someone learning the art of sourdough one 60-second clip at a time, their research resonated deeply.

Here’s how I made the video:

Plan the shots.
I listed each key moment: mixing, stretching, adding fillings, shaping, scoring, baking, and the final crumb shot. I made sure each step would be clear and visually appealing.
Set up my filming station.
I used my phone, and natural lighting from my kitchen window. I also cleared space around the counter for clean visuals.
Film in short clips.
TikTok prefers bite-sized content, so I filmed 5–10 second clips for each major step. I shot top-down and side angles for variety.
Add transitions.
Between each stage, I included fun transitions—like a hand swipe or cut on movement—to keep the video flowing.
Use a trending sound.
I picked an upbeat audio track that matched the rhythm of the video. TikTok’s algorithm favours trending sounds, so I picked the song “Anxiety” by Doechii because it is trending really high right now.
Add text overlays.
I only used text overlay for the final aspects of the video this time, normally I do a step-by-step process of the mixing, fermentation process, and baking but I found the clips too short for any normal human to read that fast so it would have been too overwhelming.
Edit + upload.
I used TikTok’s built-in editor, added a cover image with “Little Spoon Farms Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough Loaf!” in bold text, and posted with relevant hashtags like #sourdoughtok, #homemadebread, #cheddarloaf.
Engage with comments.
After uploading, I replied to comments, answered questions, and even followed a few fellow sourdough makers!

The content of my video focused on my latest sourdough bake: a jalapeño cheddar loaf using the recipe from Little Spoon Farm. To find the recipe click here. This recipe quickly became one of my favourites! It was laid out step-by-step, complete with photos and a time schedule that helped me plan my day around the dough’s rising and baking stages. I appreciated how the recipe condensed the usual 3-day process into just 2 days — making it much more manageable.

Looking back on my learning journey so far, I’ve enjoyed exploring new skills and reflecting on the process in creative ways. It’s been both rewarding and humbling — from my first attempts at sourdough to experimenting with video creation, each step has taught me something new. I’ve gained more confidence in trying unfamiliar tools and techniques, and it’s reminded me that learning doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s about the small wins — like a well-baked loaf or a smooth video edit — the small wins all make the journey worthwhile.

Overall, this was such a positive experience. I not only learned how to use a new app, but I also created my favourite (to date) loaf of sourdough in the process (just ask my coworkers). Who knew learning could be this tasty and efficient?

Unrecognizable adipose, fat, obese and overweight woman in red bikini pulling and getting dressed in small size tight jeans, to fit hips in clothes on white background. Preparation summer season Every loaf teaches me something new—and also reminds me I might need stretchier pants!

What is your favourite app to make videos on?? Comment below

References:

Radin, A. G. B., & Light, C. J. (2022). TikTok: An emergent opportunity for teaching and learning science communication online. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education, 23(1), e00223-21. https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00223-21

Week 9: My First Inclusions Loaf… At my Parents house!

March 17, 2025 / Shasta Hanna / 1 Comment

This past weekend, I found myself back at my parents’ house—not for a visit, but because my husband had some horses to trim in their area. Instead of making multiple trips back and forth, I packed up everything I needed for the weekend, including my ever-faithful sourdough starter, Dough-na-tella.

Knowing I wanted to bake while I was there, I prepped Dough-na-tella the night before, feeding her and making sure she was good and bubbly by the time morning rolled around. When I woke up on Saturday, I wasted no time putting her to good use. First on the agenda was our household staple: sourdough pancakes. There’s something special about starting the day with a warm, fluffy stack, and at this point, they’ve become a tradition in our home. Even my parents, who are usually skeptical of sourdough anything, couldn’t resist. It was my dad’s birthday so it was a great way to kick off the day for him to enjoy a nice stack of plain, choc. chip and blueberry pancakes, along with a side of bacon, and eggs! Yummy!

But the real adventure came with my first-ever inclusions loaf. I had been wanting to experiment with adding ingredients to my sourdough, and I figured this was the perfect opportunity. I followed Amy Bakes Bread’s Three Cheese Sourdough Bread recipe (link here) but with a small tweak. While Amy’s recipe calls for three types of cheese, my mom’s fridge only had mozzarella and sharp cheddar, so I rolled with it.

What I didn’t anticipate, though, were the little challenges that came with tackling a new recipe. While I’ve gotten comfortable with the basics of sourdough, shaping an inclusion loaf was a different story. Unlike my usual loaves, this one had chunks of cheese that made it harder to handle. I also hadn’t shaped a loaf for quite some time and even then when I did shape it last time I totally flew by the seat of my pants with it, this time I wanted to do it right. Amy’s recipe didn’t include video instructions, so when I reached the shaping step, I found myself second-guessing my technique. That’s when I turned to Baker Bettie’s YouTube tutorial (link here). Watching her step-by-step guide helped me gain the confidence to shape my dough properly, making sure the cheese was evenly distributed without overworking the gluten.

I really appreciate these type of Open Education tools at my finger tips. Videos and resources like this, literally get me through this learning journey. Without them I would be making so many mistakes and not knowing if what the recipe is describing is truly what I need to be looking for.

A few lessons I took away from this bake:

Trust the dough – Even when it feels sticky and challenging, patience and gentle handling make all the difference. This was a higher moisture dough, making it difficult to work with so I had to be super patient with the shaping and folding and the general working with it. But it turned out great!
Adjust based on what you have – I only had two types of cheese, but the bread still turned out delicious. Sometimes, you just have to work with what’s available.
Visual learning is a game-changer – Having a video tutorial to follow made the shaping process so much easier. Next time, I’ll probably look up videos beforehand to be better prepared.

By the time I got home and put her in the fridge and dough-na-tella came out of the oven, my kitchen smelled amazing. The bread had a beautiful golden crust, and the pockets of melted cheese inside made every bite worth the effort.

All in all, it was a great weekend of baking and learning, and Dough-na-tella proved once again that she’s up for any adventure. I can’t wait to try my next inclusions loaf—my coworkers have been cashing in on my learning journey and they have requested a lemon blueberry loaf next, if I can pull that off I may be the star of the office! Hold onto your hats, everyone!

Have you ever tried an inclusion loaf? What are your favourite add-ins?

My Teaching Philosophy Rooted in First Nations and Literacy: Honouring Storytelling, Relationships, and Growth

March 17, 2025 / Shasta Hanna / 2 Comments

Honouring Storytelling, Relationships, and Growth: My Teaching Philosophy Rooted in First Nations ways of knowing and Literacy

I believe teaching is more than the transmission of knowledge—it is an act of relationship-building, nurturing curiosity, honouring the voices of our learners and building teacher’s knowledge base in literacy. As a First Nations educator and literacy consultant, my teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the traditions of my people, where learning happens through storytelling, shared experiences, and a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all things, as well as promoting the excellence of teachers.

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Storytelling as a Foundation for Learning

In First Nations cultures, storytelling has always been a powerful way to pass down knowledge, history, and values. Stories are not just entertainment; they are lessons woven with wisdom, offering guidance on how to live, how to relate to others, and how to understand the world. In my teaching, I integrate storytelling as a tool to help students connect with content on a personal and cultural level. Whether through oral narratives, picture books, or student-created stories, literacy becomes an avenue for self-expression and identity formation.

Literacy as a Path to Empowerment for Lifelong Learning

Literacy is more than the ability to read and write—it is the key to critical thinking, self-determination, and lifelong learning. In my role as a literacy consultant, I advocate for culturally responsive teaching practices that honour Indigenous (FNMI) perspectives, languages, and literacies. This means ensuring that Indigenous students see themselves reflected in the texts they read, the stories they hear, and the learning experiences they engage in. It also means aligning our teaching practices to meet the needs of our Indigenous learners first and foremost through understanding how the brain learns to read. (Science of Reading)

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It also means recognizing that literacy goes beyond conventional definitions; it includes the ability to interpret symbols, oral traditions, land-based knowledge, and digital literacies. My goal is to foster a love of literacy that extends beyond the classroom and empowers students to use their voices in meaningful ways.

Relationships and Holistic Growth

One of the core values in First Nations education is the belief that learning is relational. We do not learn in isolation; we learn through our connections to others—our families, our communities, and our ancestors. In my teaching, I prioritize building strong, respectful relationships with students, colleagues, and families. By fostering a sense of belonging, I create learning environments where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to take risks in their learning. Through risk-taking and failure, that is where the learning occurs, their ability to get up and try again is what I wish for all the students I work with. My role as a literacy consultant means being a constant cheerleader to the students I work with.

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Holistic education means nurturing not just the mind, but the heart, body, and spirit. I strive to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being into my practice, whether through land-based learning, experiential education, or social-emotional teaching strategies that recognize the whole learner.

Moving Forward: Decolonizing Education

Education has historically been a tool of colonization, but it also has the power to be a tool of resistance and healing. As an educator, I am committed to decolonizing literacy by centring Indigenous voices, challenging dominant narratives, and advocating for policies that support Indigenous students and educators. I believe that by embedding Indigenous perspectives into teaching and learning, we can create an educational system that honours the knowledge, resilience, and contributions of First Nations peoples.

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Conclusion

My teaching philosophy is a reflection of my identity as a First Nations educator and literacy advocate. It is rooted in storytelling, in the power of literacy, in the strength of relationships, and a vision for a more inclusive and just education system. By weaving together Indigenous traditions and contemporary literacy practices, I strive to create learning spaces where all students feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.

My overall goal for any First Nation students I work with is for them to be able to walk in two worlds or “walk on both sides of the river”. I want to leave this video here for anyone to watch. It emphasizes the idea that “walking in two worlds” is possible but requires a lot of balancing and code-switching between their First Nation culture as well as the non-indigenous world where they also need to thrive.

Take a watch, and leave a comment below on what are you doing for reconciliation within your classroom. Are you allowing your FNMI students to thrive and “walk in two worlds”?

Hiy Hiy,

kinanâskomitin (thank you)

Exploring Open Education Global: A Resource for Educators

March 15, 2025 / Shasta Hanna / 3 Comments

Exploring Open Education Global: A Valuable Resource for Educators

In the evolving field of open education, finding reliable and high-quality resources is essential for educators. One platform that stood out to me in the open education movement is Open Education Global (OEGlobal). But how effective is this platform, really? Is it user-friendly, well-organized, and valuable for educators? Let’s explore OEGlobal and evaluate its overall impact on the education community.

User-Friendliness and Organization

The OEGlobal website is thoughtfully structured, featuring clear navigation menus that allow users to access information about the organization’s activities, events, resources, and news. The main sections—such as “About OE Global,” “OE Global Activities,” “Latest,” and “Join”—are prominently displayed, making it easy for visitors to explore the site’s offerings.

Quality of Resources

While OEGlobal provides access to well-curated educational materials, the variety and scope of resources available could be expanded. Some educators may find the selection limited compared to other repositories that offer a broader range of subject areas and educational levels. Additionally, ensuring regular updates and maintaining high-quality content standards would enhance the platform’s credibility and usefulness.

Educators looking for a broader collection of peer-reviewed open textbooks may also explore the Open Textbook Library, which offers a wide range of materials across disciplines. Similarly, MERLOT provides access to multimedia educational resources that have been peer-reviewed, making it a great supplement to OEGlobal’s offerings.

While OEGlobal it’self does not operate as a traditional OER repository, it provides access to a well-curated collection of open educational resources through its Open Education Resources section. This part of the site includes links to featured OER collections, introductions to open education, and resources from past events and award winners. The quality of these resources seems to be generally high, as they come from reputable sources within the open education community.

Navigation and Searchability

While the website is structured fairly logically, there are areas that could be improved in terms of discoverability. The lack of a dedicated OER repository with built-in search functionalities can make it challenging for educators to find specific materials efficiently. Educators who require more precise search capabilities may find platforms like OER Commons more useful for their direct needs. A more robust search feature within OEGlobal could enhance the user experience and streamline access to its curated content.

For those looking to explore the global impact of OER, the OER Impact Map offers valuable insights into how open education resources are being adopted worldwide. Additionally, the BC campus Open Education initiative showcases success stories and case studies that highlight the benefits of OER adoption in higher education.

The website’s intuitive layout ensures users can navigate through different sections with ease. However, since OEGlobal does not host a dedicated OER repository with advanced search functionalities, it directs users to external repositories and resources instead. Educators who require specific OER materials with thorough search capabilities may find platforms like OER Commons more useful for their direct needs.

Ease of Use

OEGlobal is designed to be user-friendly, with straightforward menus and accessible content. However, some users may find the navigation slightly overwhelming due to the number of external links leading away from the site. A more centralized approach to presenting resources—such as categorized lists or an improved filtering system—could improve accessibility and ease of use for educators looking for specific content.

OEGlobal is designed to be user-friendly, with straightforward menus and accessible content. Users can effortlessly find information about upcoming events, news updates, and links to external resources. Since it does not have a complex repository system, it remains approachable for educators seeking information about open education initiatives without feeling overwhelmed.

Visual Appeal

The website boasts a clean and professional design, utilizing a consistent colour scheme and layout that aligns with its branding. The use of images and icons enhances the visual experience without detracting from the site’s functionality.

Value to Educators

For educators, OEGlobal serves as a valuable hub for engaging with the broader open education community. It offers insights into global initiatives, access to specially curated resources, and opportunities to connect with professionals through events and discussions. While it may not replace specialized OER repositories for direct resource searches, it provides context, support, and connections that are invaluable for educators invested in open education.

Educators new to OER may find the OER Starter Kit Workbook especially useful, as it provides step-by-step guidance on how to integrate open resources into their teaching. Additionally, understanding licensing is crucial for using and modifying OER correctly, and Creative Commons Licensing Guide is a great tool to help educators navigate the complexities of open licensing.

Additional Considerations

OEGlobal’s commitment to fostering a global community is evident through its diverse activities and collaborations. Educators can benefit from the organization’s events, such as conferences and webinars, which address current trends and challenges in open education. Additionally, the site provides links to various projects and special initiatives, giving educators numerous opportunities to engage and contribute.

Final Thoughts

While OEGlobal may not function as a traditional OER repository with extensive search functionalities, it excels as a well-organized, user-friendly platform that connects educators to high-quality resources, events, and a global community dedicated to open education. Whether you’re looking for curated OER collections, professional development opportunities, or a network of like-minded educators, OEGlobal is a valuable platform worth exploring.

How do you currently integrate Open Educational Resources (OER) into your teaching, and what challenges or successes have you encountered along the way?

Week 8: The Ultimate Pizza Glow-Up: Sourdough Discard Edition

March 11, 2025 / Shasta Hanna / 2 Comments

What started as a week so full of activities I almost couldn’t even make anything new, turned into a week of discovering new ways to use my sourdough discard. I was feeling stressed and burnout was starting to sink in on a real level. My first thought was, ” I am never going to get something that takes 3 days to complete such as a loaf or any dough using dough-na-tella.” I knew there was no way! And if you’re anything like me, tossing out sourdough discard feels like a crime against carbs.

Enter… the world of “discard recipes”. A quick, easy, and tasty way to transform leftovers into the ultimate homemade pizza.

Credit: Facebook Group

Credit: Facebook Group

I follow a few different groups on Facebook regarding sourdough. I had seen a few times on this platform that people use their discard is some really cool and interesting ways, and I wanted to try it too!

Many other sourdough fanatics have written about using their discard and putting it to good use. It always did seem like it was going to waste to me anyway so this was a win, win.

Why Sourdough Discard Makes the Best Pizza Dough

Sourdough discard is packed with flavour, giving your pizza crust a slight tang and deep complexity that store-bought dough just can’t compare to. Plus, it crisps up beautifully while staying chewy on the inside—a true glow-up for both your sourdough game and my pizza nights…Or at least this is what I read, during my deep dive into how this was going to work. I scoured the internet for the perfect recipe. I finally landed on Pantry Mama’s Quick Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe (found here), I chose it because it said that it was quick, and it had the highest rating with the most people rating it, and let me tell you—it did NOT disappoint. Here’s how it went down.

The Dough: Fast, Foolproof, and Full of Flavor

What I loved most about this recipe is that it’s quick—no long fermentation, no overnight waits, just mix, knead, and go! Perfect for those last-minute pizza cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dough-Na-Tella after she was kneaded for 10 mins

Sourdough discard (the star of the show)
All-purpose flour
Warm water
Honey
Olive oil
Salt

Mix it all together, it was a little tacky and wet at first, so as instructed I let it rest for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes I was to knead the dough for 10 minutes by hand until it became nice and elastic, while also being soft and silky.

Once I had my dough, I was to wait for it to double in size. But because I was in a rush and needed to get out the door to my daughter’s skating carnival, I popped it into the fridge and let it sit, covered, overnight and the next day! I was a little leary about doing this, but I was told that it would be perfectly fine! And boy were they right!

From Dough to Pizza: The Glow-Up in Action

Pizza stretched out, with added homemade tomato sauce and shaved ham

When I got home from work the next day, I popped it out of the fridge, let it roll out of the bowl and sit on the counter for 30 minutes to let the gluten relax. Then I pulled it and stretched it out with my fingers and prepped it for baking. I love a thin, crispy crust, so I stretched it out nice and even(ish), but if you prefer a thicker crust, you can go for a more rustic, hand-tossed vibe.

The beauty of pizza is that you can top it with literally anything, but here’s what I went with:

Pizza number 1 (shown to the left)

shaved black forest ham
pepperoni (not shown)
pizza mozzarella
Italian seasoning (for flavour)
parmesan

Pizza number 2 (shown below)

olive oil
Italian dressing
minced garlic and a little garlic juice
Salt and pepper
Mozzarella
Parmesan

After a quick bake at 425° F for about 15 minutes, the pizza was golden, crispy, and absolutely chef’s kiss perfection.

Finished Product

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

100% YES. The sourdough discard gives the crust such a unique texture and flavour—it’s light, airy, and has just the right amount of chew. Plus, knowing that I used my dough-na-tella discard for something this delicious makes it even better. If you want to see for yourself check out Pantry Mama’s Quick Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough Recipe. She wont let you down, but I do recommend following her guide step by step.

Next time you find yourself staring at a jar of discard, don’t throw it out—glow it up into the best homemade pizza you’ve ever had.

Are you a sourdough discard pizza fan? Drop your favourite toppings in the comments! 🍕✨

Week 7: My Drama Filled Sourdough Choc Chip Cookies: A Tale of Triumph and Near-Disaster

March 4, 2025 / Shasta Hanna / 7 Comments

YOU GUYS!!!

I’m not sure if you have lived until you have tried a Sourdough Chocolate Chip cookie! These bring me so much joy it’s not even funny. What has turned into a nightmare of a week with one thing happening after the next each day, these cookies are the sunshine in the shadows, the wind beneath my winds, the light at the end of the tunnel, and all the idioms you can think of!!

Where they perfect, heck no! But do they taste so good my granny would be so dang proud? YEP!

Am I being a tad dramatic? Also YEP!

But whats wrong with a little drama? We could all use a little drama in our lives I think! This little recipe from Little Spoon Farms is NEXT level. If you know someone with a little sourdough discard they don’t need and 2 pounds of chocolate chips you are set! (Okay, I’m being a bit dramatic about the number of chocolate chips, but seriously, it is a lot!) Each bite has numerous chocolate chips in it. If you are trying to cut sugar in your diet, step away now, these little puppies of utter goodness are not for you.

Where do I begin?

Let me set the scene: It’s a dark and stormy night (okay, fine, it was Sunday afternoon, and I was out of coffee, which is basically the same thing). I stood in my kitchen, staring down at my bubbling, ever-mischievous sourdough starter, Dough-na-tella. This would be my first time using Dough-na-tella’s discard in a recipe. She gurgled ominously. I had one goal—one mission if you will—to create the most glorious sourdough chocolate chip cookies ever known to humankind. (queue the dramatic music)

What followed was a rollercoaster of emotions, a battle of science and willpower, and a valuable set of learning moments. Buckle up, folks.

Lesson 1: Anything baked with Love always turns out, most of the time

I had my daughter helping me throughout this whole process, and let me tell ya I think that is why these turned out! I will purposely leave these videos unedited so you can hear her little voice in them. My little Sioux chef was my #1 trick!

Lesson 2: Sourdough Adds Complexity (and Maybe a Little Chaos)

When people say sourdough adds depth to baked goods, they aren’t lying. But what they fail to mention is that it also adds an element of mystery—will the cookies be chewy? Crispy? Slightly tangy? Will they rise majestically or spread into sad little puddles of despair? The answer: all of the above, depending on how much starter you use and whether or not the baking gods are in a good mood. I’m here to tell you the baking gods smiled down upon me on that glorious sunday afternoon.

Lesson 3: Cold Butter and Crumbly Dough—Trust the Process

The recipe called for cold, cubed butter to be mixed in with a stand mixer until the dough became crumbly. But who needs a mixer when you have hands? I channelled my inner pioneer woman, working the butter into the sugar mixture manually until I achieved the same perfectly crumbly texture. Sure, my hands were cold, and I briefly questioned my life choices, but the results? Worth it. Lesson learned: sometimes, tradition beats technology.

Lesson 4: The 2-Hour Wait is Cruel and Unusual Punishment

The best sourdough chocolate chip cookies require patience. Refrigerating the dough anywhere from 2 hours to 24 hours helps develop the flavours and gives the cookies a deeper, richer taste. Unfortunately, it also requires self-restraint, which I, for one, do not possess. I spent the afternoon pacing the kitchen like a contestant on a reality baking show, resisting the urge to sneak spoonfuls of dough that were in the fridge. (I knew I would never be able to wait for the 24 hrs, but the recipe stated I was allowed to bake them after 2 hours! Is there even a choice?! I think not!)

The Moment of Truth

After what felt like an eternity, I baked those golden morsels of sourdough-infused joy. And let me tell you—when I bit into the first cookie, the heavens parted, and I heard angels singing (or maybe it was just my stomach growling). They were chewy, slightly tangy, rich with chocolate, and utterly addictive.

Final Verdict: Worth Every Bit of the Madness

Would I do it again? Absolutely. Would I tweak a few things? Probably. I would use the convection button on my oven to get a more even bake for the ones on the bottom rack. Would I still eat the slightly burnt ones? You bet.

So if you, too, wish to embark on the adventure of sourdough chocolate chip cookies, prepare yourself. It’s a journey filled with suspense, scientific precision, and a whole lot of taste-testing. But in the end, it’s all worth it—because nothing beats a homemade cookie, especially one made with a little bit of chaos and a lot of love.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make another batch… for research purposes, of course.

Have you ever tried baking with sourdough? Share your stories of triumph and kitchen chaos in the comments!