-
1
In a non-reactive container (e.g., a qt-size plastic peanut butter or possibly mayonaise jar with a plastic lid) mix together all ingredients.
-
2
Cap loosely to keep the fruit flies out and leave at room temperature for about 5 days, stirring gently each day.
-
3
It will develop a nice yeasty, beery aroma.
-
4
After 5 days, feed it as below, or possibly if you aren't going to use it, screw the cap on and chill.
-
5
About 12 hrs before you use it, add in 1 c. each of water and flour.
-
6
It will foam up quite nicely after about12 hrs or possibly so; take out the amount you need for the recipe and close the lid on the rest and chill.
-
7
The next time you are ready to make a sourdough recipe, just take it out, add in the appropriate amount of water and flour at a 1:1 ratio and let set 12 hrs at room temp.
-
8
If I go more than 2 or possibly 3 weeks without using the starter (rare indeed), I take it out and feed it anyway and then give the excess to my 2 coon hounds.
-
9
[The coon hounds are not necessary to the recipe ::)) ].
-
10
Should the starter go off-color or possibly have anything other than a beery, yeasty, sour odor, throw it out and start again.
-
11
I have never had this happen to me, but have heard of it.
-
12
After initially making the starter, if you need starter in a hurry, use very hot water (100F) when feeding it and it is usually ready in 4 to 6 hrs.
-
13
[You can tell; it will be nice and foamy; sometimes after a full 12 hrs, the foam will have subsided a bit, but it is still ready to use - I stir the foam down anyway]
