This post is sponsored by Red Star. The opinions and text are all mine.

Unlocking Artisan Baking: My Experience with Red Star Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast

Embarking on a culinary adventure, I recently had the incredible opportunity to join Red Star in Chicago for the grand launch of their revolutionary Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast. This wasn’t just another product introduction; it was a deep dive into the art and science of baking, shared with a fantastic group of fellow bloggers and enthusiasts. Over two action-packed days, we explored the transformative power of this new yeast, promising authentic sourdough flavor without the traditional fuss.

For home bakers and culinary professionals alike, the allure of sourdough has always been strong—that distinct tangy flavor, the airy crumb, the crisp crust. Yet, the commitment required to maintain a sourdough starter can be daunting. Red Star’s Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast changes the game, making genuine sourdough accessible to everyone. This innovative product brings together the reliability of instant yeast with the unmistakable character of sourdough, simplifying a once complex baking process. Join me as I recount the highlights of this unforgettable Chicago experience, from crafting perfect pizzas to savoring artisan French bread, and discover why this new yeast is set to become a staple in kitchens everywhere.

A Deep Dive into Dough at the North American Pizza and Culinary Academy

Our journey commenced at the prestigious North American Pizza and Culinary Academy (NAPCA) in Lisle, IL—a hub for pizza aficionados and culinary learners. Here, amidst the tantalizing aroma of baking bread and melting cheese, we were introduced to the sheer versatility of Red Star’s Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast. The morning kicked off with a breakfast spread showcasing an array of delights, all crafted with this new, groundbreaking product.

From fluffy pancakes to delectable pastries, each bite offered that distinctive, nuanced sourdough flavor without a trace of the usual starter maintenance. This revolutionary yeast truly makes “sourdough made easy,” eliminating the need for feeding, discarding, and the constant worry associated with traditional starters. It’s a simple 1:1 substitute for their standard 7-gram yeast packets, making integration into existing recipes incredibly straightforward. While every item impressed, the soft pretzels, with their perfect chewy texture and subtle sourdough tang, quickly became my personal favorite.

The Science and Art of Perfect Pizza Dough

After a delightful breakfast, our focus shifted to the art of pizza making. Under the expert guidance of renowned pizzaiolo Leo Spizzirri, we embarked on a comprehensive lesson in crafting pizza dough from scratch, integrating the Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast.

One of the most profound takeaways from the class was understanding the critical role each ingredient plays in the final quality of homemade pizza dough. Leo meticulously explained his preferred components, emphasizing that superior ingredients yield superior results:

00 Flour: This ultra-fine Italian flour, with its low protein content, is essential for creating a light, airy, and crispy crust that is both tender and sturdy enough to hold toppings. It contributes to the characteristic chewiness found in authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
Water with a PH level between 6.5-6.8: The pH of water can significantly impact yeast activity and gluten development. This specific range helps optimize the yeast’s performance, ensuring a vigorous rise and optimal flavor extraction from the sourdough yeast.
High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Beyond adding a rich flavor, good quality EVOO contributes to the dough’s elasticity and overall texture, making it easier to handle and contributing to a golden crust.
Fine Sea Salt: Crucial for flavor, salt also plays a vital role in controlling yeast fermentation and strengthening the gluten structure, leading to a better rise and more resilient dough.
A High-Quality Yeast like Red Star: The foundation of any great dough, a reliable yeast ensures consistent results. The Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast not only guarantees a strong rise but infuses the dough with that sought-after sourdough complexity.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, we delved into the tactile process of dough stretching. Leo demonstrated the time-honored technique of shaping pizza dough by hand, entirely foregoing the use of a rolling pin. While it looked effortless in his hands, mastering the delicate balance of stretching and coaxing the dough into a perfect circle proved to be a challenging yet rewarding experience. I quickly learned that practice, patience, and a few key tips are paramount:

No Rolling Pins Allowed: A rolling pin, Leo explained, crushes the delicate air bubbles formed during fermentation. These bubbles are crucial for creating the light, airy, and structurally perfect pizza crust that connoisseurs adore. Hand stretching preserves these essential pockets of air, resulting in a superior texture.
Maintain a Dry Work Surface: Unlike other doughs, pizza dough for hand stretching requires a completely dry work surface. Any moisture can make the dough sticky and difficult to manipulate, hindering the stretching process.
Minimal Flour Usage: While a dusting of flour can prevent sticking, excess flour should be avoided. Too much flour on the dough surface will simply burn in the hot oven, creating an unpleasant, bitter taste on the crust. The rule of thumb: only use the amount of flour that fits between your index and middle finger, and apply it sparingly.

The Ultimate Pizza Challenge

With our dough expertly stretched, it was time for the much-anticipated pizza challenge. Each blogger unleashed their creativity, crafting personalized pizzas with an array of fresh ingredients. As a firm believer in classic flavors, I opted for a hearty combination of all the meat and cheese toppings I could find—pepperoni, sausage, and plenty of mozzarella, aiming for a robust and satisfying pie.

Once all the pizzas emerged from the blistering ovens, a feast awaited us. Sampling each creation was a testament to the diverse palettes and culinary imagination within our group. Every pizza was delicious in its own right, making it incredibly difficult to pick a single favorite. This hands-on experience not only honed our baking skills but also highlighted how Red Star’s Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast truly elevates the homemade pizza experience, delivering authentic flavor with remarkable ease.

A Taste of France at La Fournette Bakery

Our culinary immersion continued with a visit to La Fournette, a renowned French bakery in Chicago. After enjoying our delicious pizza creations for lunch, we journeyed to this artisan haven, where the rich aroma of freshly baked bread enveloped us upon entry. We were granted exclusive access to their production facility, observing the meticulous processes that bring their exquisite breads and pastries to life for their storefronts and beyond.

Chef Pierre Zimmermann, the master baker himself, graciously led us on a comprehensive tour of the state-of-the-art facility. We watched in awe as Deborah Ott, a celebrated world baking champion, demonstrated her unparalleled skill, effortlessly rolling and shaping delicate baguettes and croissants with precision and grace. It was a mesmerizing display of craftsmanship, highlighting the dedication and artistry that goes into every single loaf and pastry. Following the captivating demonstration, we were treated to a tasting session, savoring the crisp crusts and tender interiors of their signature breads. The experience culminated in a truly special gesture: Chef Pierre sent us home with a warm, freshly baked French baguette, a delicious memento of an extraordinary visit.

Red Star Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast: Your Key to Artisan Baking

Beyond the delightful experiences and shared camaraderie, the trip cemented my admiration for Red Star’s commitment to innovation and quality. Their Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast is more than just a new product; it’s a gateway to effortless artisan baking for home cooks. Here’s a concise breakdown of why this yeast is a game-changer:

Foolproof & Flavorful: It combines the reliability of instant yeast with the authentic, complex flavor profile of traditional sourdough—all in a single, convenient packet. No more guesswork or finicky starters.
Universal Application: This yeast can be seamlessly integrated into any existing yeast recipe, instantly infusing your baked goods with a distinctive sourdough character.
Easy Substitution: Each 18-gram packet of Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast is designed to replace one standard 7-gram packet of dry yeast, simplifying recipe adjustments.
Generous Yield: One packet is powerful enough to raise up to 4 cups of flour, approximately 1 pound, making it ideal for a variety of baking projects, from a single loaf of bread to a batch of dinner rolls.

Inspiring Culinary Creations: Ways To Use Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast

Returning home, I was brimming with fresh ideas and an eager anticipation to experiment with the Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast in my own kitchen. The possibilities are truly endless, transforming everyday recipes into extraordinary sourdough experiences. I’m particularly excited to try it out in some beloved classics:

Homemade Soft Pretzels: Imagine soft, chewy pretzels with that irresistible pretzel crust, now enhanced with a subtle sourdough tang. Perfect for dipping!
Authentic Pizza Dough: Building on what I learned at NAPCA, I’m eager to replicate that perfect sourdough pizza crust at home, bringing a new dimension of flavor to family pizza nights.
Elevated Dinner Rolls: Using my Grandma’s classic cinnamon roll dough as a base, I plan to create savory sourdough dinner rolls that will be a delightful addition to any meal, offering a depth of flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes.
Beyond the Basics: Think sourdough bagels for a chewy, flavorful breakfast, rustic sourdough bread loaves with a superior crumb, or even sourdough muffins for a unique twist on a breakfast staple. The Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast opens up a world of possibilities for elevating everyday baked goods.

Join the “Sourdough It Up” Sweepstakes!

To celebrate the launch and inspire creativity within the baking community, Red Star is hosting an exciting “Sourdough It Up” Sweepstakes! This is your chance to win one of five incredible $500 baking prize packages. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your baking prowess and experience the magic of Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast. Here’s how you can participate:

Utilize Red Star’s Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast to “sourdough up” your favorite yeast-based recipe. Get creative and let your imagination run wild!
Capture a vibrant photograph of your finished baked creation. Crucially, ensure that a packet of Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast is visible within the picture.
Share your masterpiece on Instagram using the official hashtags #SourdoughItUp and don’t forget to tag @RedStarYeast in your photo.
Your Instagram account must be set to public for your entry to be visible and considered.
Entry Dates: The sweepstakes runs from September 16 to October 31, 2019.
You can submit a maximum of five (5) entries per person, but each entry must feature a unique photo that adheres to all the outlined requirements.
This sweepstakes is open exclusively to residents of the United States.

Ready to transform your baking? You can learn more about Red Star’s Platinum Instant Sourdough Yeast here and even request a free sample to begin your sourdough journey. I’m eager to hear about your baking adventures—if you try their new product, please share how you used it and what delicious creations you whipped up!