A Starter with a Story: Homemade English Muffins and the Spirit of Madame Mustache

 

If you’ve ever bitten into a fresh, homemade sourdough English muffin, you know it’s something special—crisp-edged on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of rich, tangy flavor. For me, English muffins were a breakfast staple growing up—split, toasted, and slathered in butter or jam. So one day, I thought, why not try making them myself? That decision turned out to be one of the best baking choices I’ve ever made.

But what makes my sourdough English muffins truly unique isn’t just the texture or flavor—it’s the starter behind the dough. I bake them using a historic San Francisco sourdough starter from Kensington Market Sourdough, with origins dating back over 150 years to the California Gold Rush. That kind of legacy carries a certain weight—and a lot of flavor.

And every great starter deserves a great name.

Meet Eleanor, a.k.a. Madame Mustache

My sourdough jar is affectionately named Madame Mustache, inspired by one of the Gold Rush era’s most infamous and trailblazing women: Madame Mustache. Born Eleanor Dumont, she was a French card dealer and gambler who ran her own establishments in mining towns across the Wild West.

In a time when few women had autonomy, Eleanor carved out a space for herself with wit, charm, and undeniable grit. She was known for her signature mustache-like facial hair, her sharp intelligence, and her willingness to live by her own rules in a chaotic world. Though her life ended in hardship, her legacy lives on as a symbol of bold independence.

What resonates with me most is the legacy she left behind: a woman who chose her own path and held her own in a wild, unpredictable world. Naming my 150-year-old sourdough starter after her felt only fitting—both Eleanor and the starter carry strength, resilience, and a little bit of rebellion in every rise.

Why Sourdough English Muffins?

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about English muffins—the nooks and crannies, the slow toasting, the golden crispness. But making them with natural sourdough fermentation takes them to another level. The long rise from my wild yeast starter gives them a complex flavor, a tender interior, and just the right amount of tang. They’re a perfect blend of comfort food and old-world craftsmanship.

These muffins have quickly become a beloved part of my cottage bakery menu—perfect for breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, or just simple toast and jam. 

Each one is handmade, pan-cooked, and filled with the kind of flavor that only time (and a 150-year-old starter named Eleanor) can bring.

Bring a Piece of the Gold Rush to Your Morning 🌞

If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast or try something with a story baked into every bite, my sourdough English muffins are a delicious way to start your day. Crafted with care and a touch of wild Western spirit, they’re more than just bread—they’re a tribute to tradition, resilience, and the power of making something from scratch.

Pre-order  a batch and let Eleanor work her magic on your morning. 🌟