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1
First Feeding:
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In a glass or plastic bowl (never use metal) add the dried starter flakes, 1/2 cup of lukewarm (bottled) water and 1/2 cup of flour.
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Note: If you wish a stronger flavor add one or two tablespoons of rye flour to the first feeding.
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Using a plastic or wooden spoon (never metal) stir mixture vigoursly to add air.
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Cover loosely and place in a warm draft-free area (I leave it on my counter top).
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Allow the starter to proof for 8-14 hours (mixture should become very bubbly (don't worry if you see no activity, just continue with second feeding).
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Second Feeding.
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To the mixture add 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water and 1 1/2 cups flour, stir vigoursly.
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Cover loosely and place in a warm, draft-free area and allow to proof for 8-14 hours, until bubbly.
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Note: At this point I suggest making some flakes as a back up -- see Preserving Starter below.
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You should now have approximately 2 cups of active starter that is ready to use. Always save 1/4 cup of starter for future use, so if your recipe calls for more than 1 1/2 cups of starter then it will be necessary to add equal parts of water and flour and proof for another 8-14 hours.
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Maintaining the Starter:
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After removing the quantity needed for the recipe, save approximately 1/4 cup of starter and discard (or make flakes) any additional starter. Place the saved starter in a glass jar or plastic storage container. Do not use an air tight container as the gases need room to escape. I use a glass jar with a small hole punched in the top (Since I do not want the starter to touch metal, I place a small piece of plastic wrap over the top before screwing on the metal cap). Next, stir in one-half cup each of flour and water, let sit on the counter for 30 to 45 minutes, then close the container and place in the refrigerator. This will preserve your starter until the next time you need it. The starter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you must go longer than this, remove the container every two weeks or so and dump all but 1/4 cup down the drain. Feed again, as above, to reactivate starter.
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14
Preserving your Starter.
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It is a good idea to preserve some of your starter in case something goes wrong. If your starter dies, you will have to purchase or get some more from somebody and start over. I have learned a method that can be used to preserve the starter for a long time without constantly adding flour or water. This method also makes it easier to share your starter with your friends.
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During the normal course of preparing your starter for bread baking and when it is active and bubbly, pour a small puddle of the starter onto some wax paper and spread it out with the back of a spoon so that the starter forms a very thin layer on the wax paper. Let it completely dry out overnight. The next day, bend the wax paper and the starter will break apart like potato chips. Place the starter chips in a plastic zip lock bag sealed tightly and then into the refrigerator. It is also a good idea to write the date and type of starter on the outside of the bag.
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Starter can be kept this way for up to six months with no ill effects, though I have heard you can probably go up to year. To reactivate it, place the starter chips in equal amounts of flour and water and put it in a warm place for 12 hours. I make these starter chips every three months or so to ensure I have a fresh backup for all my sourdough starters.
