Make Your Own Sourdough Starter

Fresh baked sourdough bread is one of life's true pleasures.  The tang found in sourdough makes a memorable impression from the first moment it hits your taste buds.  The mystery surrounding sourdough and the use of a "starter" seems to keep most home bakers from attempting to make their own sourdough.  However, with a little time and the right method, you can create the perfect sourdough starter from scratch.  With the starter in hand, you will be well on your way to making great homemade sourdough bread.

     The history of sourdough goes way back, but recent history tells us that pioneers heading west in the early 1800's made and used sourdough starter as a key ingredient in their baking.  Once you have a sourdough starter, you can just keep replenishing it over and over again.  If you really think about it, you can make a sourdough starter today and pass it on to your grand children.

     To begin, locate a stoneware crock or even a glass canning jar can work in a pinch.  Combine equal amounts of flour and water in the jar or crock.  Let the mixture sit out on the counter for the first day to "seed" the starter with the wild yeast that are floating around in the air.  This seems to be the easiest way to begin a new sourdough starter.  Another option is to secure a source of starter from a neighbor or friend.  After the first day, cover the container that holds your starter and let it sit at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.  At this point, smell the starter and see if smells sour and is thick and bubbly.  If so, you're in business and ready to start baking homemade sourdough bread. 

     To begin your sourdough loaves, use about one cup of your starter and follow a basic sourdough bread recipe.  Be sure to replace any starter that you use with equal amounts of water and flour.  This step will ensure that you have a continuous supply of starter for your next baking session.  Store your sourdough starter in a covered container in the refrigerator.  If, after a couple of weeks, the starter gets way too sour and concentrated, then stir it up really well and get rid of half of it.  Replenish the container with fresh water and flour and put in back in the fridge. 

     Following these steps makes it easy for even a novice baker to make their own sourdough starter from scratch and make tasty and tangy sourdough bread at home.