Emilie's Sourdough Starter, May it RIP

[Kahlico]

In the middle of one of my many moves this year, my sourdough starter got pitched into the trash. At my mom's defense, it was residing in an old yogurt container so she figured it was a container of yogurt past it's prime.

Here is where I'll purchase a new starter when I'm ready to replace my old (after the proper mourning period): http://www.sourdo.com/culture.htm (http://www.sourdo.com/culture.htm) . My old starter originated from South Africa but I want to do something different. I'm trying to decide: France or Finland?

:D
~emilie~

[Angelina]

Poor starter! I checked that website and it looks very interesting...I have never used or made anything with sourdough, so I was wondering, is it a lot of work to keep one going? And if I was you, I would go with the Finland one...it sounds intriguing. ;)

Angela

[Kahlico]

Once you get past the initial building of the starter (and your first loaves of bread) it's a breeze to keep the starter going. Sourdough starters are very forgiving if you forget they're in the fridge for a few months. I had this starter going strong for a year and a half. Once you go sourdough, you can't go back.

:D
~emilie~

[gabbyh]

emilie,

How about sharing a few recipes...I have one growing that will be ready in a few days:D

~Gail

[Kahlico]

Gabby let me dig up my sourdough potato bread recipe for you. I don't have it here, I think it's at home. I used this recipe last Thanksgiving for rolls.

This is one of my absolute favorite WW bread recipes: http://www.sourdoughhome.com/100percentwholewheat.html . Be warned, if you don't like it really sour (or if you don't have time for 3 risings), shape after rise one and bake after rise two.

I don't bake a lot of fancy breads with my sourdough. Besides my potato bread and WW loaf, I mainly bake just basic french bread and pizza crust. I'll include these with my potato bread recipe.

:D
~emilie~

[lirpa]

I am thinking of attepting to make sourdough. Making the starter seems okay, however, in doing research on making sourdough and sourdough starter, most recommend using a special sourdough pot to place the starter in. Do you have to purchase a special pot for the starter? If not, are there any recommendations on containers that work best when making a starter (glass vs. plastic etc...)? Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[gabbyh]

lirpa,

My starter was given to me in a ziploc plastic bag, which seems to be working fine.

It's kind of cool, cause to "mix" it all you have to do is give it a few "squeezes" :D

~Gail

[gabbyh]

emilie,

On the November Bread thread, it was pointed out that I may have a Friendship Sourdough Starter...which I do...I'm assuming I need to make a regular starter to make the rcipes?

~Gail aka "bread clueless":D

[lirpa]

Thanks Gail!!
Now, I'm ready to begin my starter. And, I'm going to use your ziploc idea. Can't wait to start baking bread!!

[gabbyh]

lirpa,

WAIT! Read the posts on the November Bread Thread...it seems the starter I am squeezing in the bag is a Sourdough Friendship Bread starter, and not the same as the regular:(

Here's a link to the one I have:

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33713#newpost

I guess I'm a bread dummy:rolleyes:

~Gail