Being that the cost of a loaf of sourdough bread is roughly $4.00, I decided that since we are trying to save money, why not try and make my own sourdough bread. So, with this thought echoing in my mind, I went on a journey to discover what I would need to do. I have made regular bread before, but I have never even attempted sourdough, basically because with terms like starter and sponge...it seems a little intimidating. However, as you will see, it is pretty easy. I have already tried the following recipe and, believe it or not, it actually works. I made one loaf yesterday (pictured above with some Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top) and, as I write this, I am proofing a loaf of french bread (which I'm going to pour a mixture of melted butter and granulated garlic over before baking). - Mason jar (wide mouth) or other glass container
- Cheese cloth (Something to cover the container, but will allow it to breathe)
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of warm water
What you need
- Put 1 cup of flour into glass container
- Add the 1 cup of warm water
- Stir well to combine
- Cover and leave in a warm place (between 70-90 degrees) (I leave mine in the oven with the light on)
- Each day you will need to remove ½ cup of the starter and replace it with ½ cup of flour and ½ cup of warm water
- Stir and repeat step 5 for the next three to four days (may take longer) or until your starter is ready
What to do
You will know when your starter is ready, when you notice a "beery" or yeast smell coming from it. You may also notice that a liquid forms along the top (called hooch). If this happens, just pour the liquid out.
Once your little pet is up and running (I call ours Fluffy), you can cover him with a lid (poke a hole in it, please) and place him in the refrigerator. He will only need to be fed (refer to step 5) once week.
Next in series... Baking With Your Sourdough Starter
