Foolproof Sourdough Starter

PaulaG's Note:

This was found at alaska.net and trust me works like a charm. Within 4 days I had the most active starter with a wonderful sour ordor. I made this starter on my counter top. After several feedings it continues to improve in flavor.

• Total Time: 72 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 72 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 1

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk (skim, regular or buttermilk)
• 1/2 cup unbleached flour

Directions:

1. Mix the milk and yogurt together in a glass or pottery container (Do not use metal).
2. Place lid on it, but don't seal it (sealed starters have been known to explode).
3. Put mixture in a warm place (80 to 90 degrees) for about 24 hours.
4. The yogurt and milk will separate forming a large curd, when adding the flour just stir it all back together.
5. Add the flour stir, and put back in warm place for 3 to 5 days; stirring daily.
6. It will bubble and have the odor of fermentation--it is ready to use.
7. Remember the starter is a living thing and needs to be fed and fed frequently when an infant.
8. I feed the "infant" weekly by placing it on the counter for several hours and allowing it to come to room temperature.
9. Then remove 1/2 cup starter, discarding the remainder.
10. Feed the 1/2 cup with equal amounts of milk (buttermilk will produce a stronger sour taste) and unbleached flour; i.e. 1 cup flour and 1 cup milk plus 1/2 cup of starter.
11. If you would like, you can feed the starter with 1/3 cup dry milk powder and 2/3 cup bottled water in place of the 1 cup milk.

Reviews

[Deantini]

I am throwing in the towel on this; I have made the starter 4 times and it is not working out for me; it either does not develop or it goes mouldy before I get to the point of fermentation. I have tried different bowl and different temperatures. I picked the recipe because it read 'foolproof'. I have tried to make startes before without success; but I guess I have to admit that I am a real fool when it comes to starters. I will keep trying because it irritates me that I can't make it work. I bake quite a bit of bread and really should know how to get this done.

[Hooterville Cook]

Excellent sour dough starter!! During my lifetime, I have made a lot of starters and this one is by far the best. It made the best tasting bread. Thank you for a great recipe.

[SkyGlitter]

This stuff is great and I made a double batch. Because I'm in freezing cold Michigan I set it on a heating pad set to 80 degrees and loosely wrapped in a kitchen towel. I made ~Nimz~ Rustic Country Sourdough Bread Rustic Country Sourdough Bread with it on the 7th day and it was fabulous! Thanks Paula for posting this!