Yes, it’s a living creature, and yes, it has a name! Most people name their sourdough starter, and mine is named “Merry Brandybuck.” One, because it was given to me as a Christmas gift. And two, I name everything after a Lord of the Rings character. (Any other LOTR lovers out there?)
So let’s get right into it . . . feeding your sourdough starter.
Tools
- Food scale
- Clean glass jar
- Bread flour (my preferred brand)
- Water
- Fork
- Measuring Cups
First, put a clean jar on your food scale and tare the scale. (Tare is the fancy word for evening out the weight of the scale).
It should read 0 and be on ounces.
Second, add your sourdough starter to the jar. I usually add 2-8 oz of starter to my jar depending on whether or not I’ll be making anything from the discard (leftover non-active starter.) Keep in mind that the starter should/will double in size. Please make sure it won’t bust out of your jar (like Exhibit A below)!
Next, add equal parts of warm water to your jar. For instance, if you added 2 oz of starter to the jar, add 2 oz of water to the jar. I let my faucet run until the water gets warm and use tap water.
Fourth, add equal parts of bread flour to the jar. (Between each addition, tare your scale!)
Then, mix it up! Mix all that lovely goodness until all combined. With a washable marker, tape, or hair tie, mark where your starter is starting. This marker lets you know once it’s doubled in size.
Store in a warm place. I put mine in my laundry room on top of the dryer. The heat helps the starter to rise. Usually, this takes about 2-4 hours. Once double in size, it’s ready to use! See!
» » » » » » » » » » » » » RELATED READ: Sourdough 101: How to Get Started « « « « « « « « « « « « « «
This one is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6! Watching your starter grow is such a fun process. And seeing the fruits of your labor is amazing.
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