Sourdough Starter

A sourdough starter is the key ingredient in making sourdough bread. It is a mixture of flour and water that has been fermented by wild yeasts and beneficial bacteria. Making your own starter takes some time and patience, but the end result is worth it!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup filtered water, at room temperature

Instructions:

1. In a clean glass jar or bowl, mix together the flour and water until smooth.
2. Cover the jar with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
3. After 24 hours, discard half of the mixture and add another 1/2 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of filtered water. Mix well, cover, and let sit at room temperature for another 24 hours.
4. Repeat this feeding process every 24 hours for 5-7 days, or until your sourdough starter becomes active and bubbly. The starter should have a tangy, sour aroma.
5. Your sourdough starter is now ready to use! It can be stored in the refrigerator and fed weekly with equal parts flour and water to keep it active.

Verdict: Making your own sourdough starter is a rewarding process that yields delicious results. The wild yeasts and bacteria in the starter give sourdough bread its unique flavor and texture. Once you have an active starter, you can use it to make all kinds of sourdough baked goods, from bread to pancakes to waffles.

Serving suggestions: Use your sourdough starter to make a hearty loaf of sourdough bread, or try your hand at sourdough pancakes or waffles for a delicious and tangy breakfast. Your options are endless!