If you've seen Gilmore Girls, you're familiar with the matriarch of the family, Emily Gilmore, and you may be wondering why on Earth I named my sourdough starter after her. Yes, Emily Gilmore (the character) is formidable, acerbic, imperious (snapping orders at her vast revolving door of maids) and harsh. So why would I name my beloved sourdough starter after such a character? Because despite all of her less-than-fluffy-kitten-like qualities, she's also fierce and resilient. She gets the job done, whatever it may be. 

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AND [spoiler alert if you haven't seen A Year in the Life!] after losing her beloved Richard, she softened. She let her guard down (as much as can be expected). She took in an entire family and finally accepted Luke. She WENT TO THERAPY. She came full circle. 

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And that is so touchingly admirable. Change is usually not easy. Dismantling a lifetime worth of shi-shi societal programming deserves a nod.

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As complex and layered as Emily Gilmore is, so does my Emily bring complexity and flavor to my sourdough. Cheers to the Emilies in all their manifestations. 

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P.S. Hats off to Kelly Bishop for playing the role of Emily Gilmore so brilliantly! I can't imagine anyone else bringing that character to life so masterfully.