Slow Dough: Real Bread 10th anniversary

The 15^th of Sourdough September 2026 marks the 10^th anniversary of the Real Bread Campaign’s first recipe book, Slow Dough: Real Bread. 

The book was written by Chris Young, the Campaign’s coordinator since 2009. He said:

‘We produced Slow Dough to help towards our vision of everyone having the chance to choose additive-free bread, and to raise dough for our mission. It’s fantastic that the book is still helping thousands of people gain and build Real Bread knowledge, skills and confidence.’

Breaducation

Published by Nourish Books, Slow Dough: Real Bread shares secrets from expert bakers on how to make around 90 sourdough and other slow-rise breads. It includes classic and innovative recipes from across the UK and beyond.

The book provides clear and simple guidance on creating a sourdough starter and other pre-ferments, as well as fundamental processes of working, proving and baking dough. The recipes range from basic to more advanced. Treating Real Bread with the respect it deserves, the book also includes recipes for leftovers, so that you don't waste a crumb.

It takes a village to raise a bread book

In line with the Campaign’s work celebrating not just Real Bread but also people behind its rise, Slow Dough: Real Bread includes profiles of the 70 bakers who doughnated the recipes. They included experienced artisans, startup microbakers, and keen homebakers.

Each recipe was then tested by students at The School of Artisan Food on head of baking Wayne Caddy’s diploma course. As each Real Bread came out of the oven, it was captured by photographer Victoria Harley, who had worked with Haxby Bakehouse, whose head baker made the loaf on the book’s cover.

Readers raising dough

Slow Dough: Real Bread and Knead to Know…more, the Campaign’s handbook for bread businesses, are available from good, local, independent booksellers (plus some evil multinational ones: just say no.)

Both books, plus grow-a-loaf guidebook Bake Your Lawn, are also available from the Campaign’s website. 

Find out more and buy now

All author royalties from sales of the Campaign’s books go to the food and farming charity Sustain, to help fund its bready work. The Campaign receives more of what you pay when you order direct.