Just Flour and Water: The Magic of Bread and Pizza
Sourdough: A Pandemic Hobby That Became a Way of Life
Sourdough bread has ancient roots, but for many home bakers, its modern revival began during the pandemic. For Vicki Scheuher, the hobby also arrived with retirement, and it quickly became more than a kitchen project. “I realized sourdough is equal parts science experiment and therapy,” she said.
Learning the Craft
Scheuher said she first learned from her daughter, then spent hours watching videos and diving deep into the craft. She likes the simplicity of working with cleaner ingredients and making something by hand. “From mixing and folding to shaping and baking, there’s something incredibly satisfying about it,” she said.
A Starter with a Story
One of her favorite sourdough stories is about her starter. About eight months ago, a neighbor shared some starter with her, and she has been baking with that same living mixture ever since. Recently, when she offered a loaf to a friend, the conversation turned into a surprising family tree of starter exchanges. What began with Jenna led to Debe Steinmetz, then, another friend Faith, and finally a connection back to a grandmother in Florida. The starter turned out to be more than a century old.
Patience Pays Off
She said that kind of connection is part of sourdough’s magic.
There are history, storytelling and community passed along with every loaf,” she said. Her advice to beginners is simple: be patient because every loaf teaches you something.
Getting Started
For those who want to get started making sourdough bread at home, the process begins with an active starter, flour, water, and salt. After mixing, the dough rests, gets a few stretch-and-folds, rises, is shaped, proofed, scored and baked until golden.
Matthew 14:19-20: “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied…”
Faster No Knead Bread
Don’t have the time or energy to make homemade sourdough bread? Here’s a fantastic recipe from my neighbor, Cathy Eckstein, of “Cooking with Cathy,” for a faster no-knead bread. It’s a great option when you want the comfort of fresh-baked bread without the long process that sourdough usually requires. Simple, practical, and delicious, it’s the kind of recipe that makes homemade bread feel doable on even the busiest days.
- 3 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups very hot water
**(I usually double the above & make 2 loaves-I have 2 cast iron Dutch Ovens)
-sift flour into a bowl
-add other ingredients
-mix until combined
-cover with plastic wrap & towel
-put in oven to double(3+ hours)
-put in floured surface
-fold it over a few times
-tuck into a ball
-put into parchment in a bowl
-spray top of plastic wrap-cover with wrap & towel, put in oven with light on & let double again
-take out, sit on counter while oven heats up with Dutch oven in it at 450 degrees
-once oven is hot, take Dutch oven out, take off lid, carefully put dough(including parchment paper) into Dutch oven & put lid back on
-back for 30 minutes
-take out and remove lid & parchment paper
-put back in oven without lid
-bake another 10-15 minutes
-remove from oven, take out of Dutch oven and let cool on rack
Singer’s Landing Brings New York Flavor and Small-Town Charm to Smithville
Brick-oven pizza, live karaoke, and a welcoming atmosphere make this downtown pizzeria a local favorite. In the heart of downtown Smithville, a once-quiet storefront at 119 W. Market St. now hums with laughter, music, and the unmistakable aroma of brick-oven pizza. Singer’s Landing Pizza, owned by Todd and Sandy Cantrell, has quickly become both a culinary destination and a vibrant community gathering place. Adding to the family atmosphere, their daughter Delia is also part of the restaurant’s day-to-day operations.
The Cantrells opened Singer’s Landing with a clear vision: to bring authentic New York-style pizza to DeKalb County while creating a space where people can relax, connect, and enjoy themselves. To achieve that goal, the couple trained in New York City, refining their craft before returning home to launch the restaurant in a renovated downtown building.
Authentic Pizza with Local Appeal
At the heart of Singer’s Landing is its menu, built around brick-oven pizzas made with fresh ingredients and carefully balanced flavors. Guests can choose from traditional pies, calzones, chicken wings and the restaurant’s widely praised garlic knots.
For those with dietary preferences, cauliflower crust pizzas offer a gluten-free option without compromising taste. This versatility has helped Singer’s Landing appeal to a wide range of customers, from local families to visitors exploring Middle Tennessee.
More Than Just a Meal
While the food draws people in, the atmosphere keeps them coming back. Singer’s Landing combines the warmth of a small-town eatery with the energy of a social hub. Friendly service and a cozy setting make it ideal for both casual dinners and group outings.
A standout feature is the restaurant’s weekly karaoke night, held Friday and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to midnight. The experience has recently been elevated with an updated laser light show, adding a dynamic visual element that enhances performances and energizes the crowd. The event attracts a wide variety of singers and spectators, from first-time performers to seasoned vocalists.
To build excitement for the evening, Singer’s Landing now offers a pre-karaoke hour beginning at 7 p.m. on select nights, featuring more experienced singers and setting the tone for the night’s entertainment.
A Growing Community Hub
Since opening, Singer’s Landing has built a reputation for consistency, quality, and hospitality. Locals praise not only the food but also the welcoming environment created by the owners, their family, and staff.
In a town where dining and entertainment options can be limited, Singer’s Landing fills an important niche by offering both a dependable place to eat and a lively place to gather.
Hours and Information
Singer’s Landing operates Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. Karaoke runs from 8 p.m. to midnight, with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m.
A Friday lunch special is offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free delivery available within the city.
Address: 119 W Market St, Smithville, TN 37166 Phone: 615-597-7464
About the Author
Mark MyGrant is a retired educator turned food writer and blogger
To read more view Mark’s blog at Whatscookingsmithville.com