Another try at that starter. This time to make baguettes. The shaping would have worked well had I a proper peel. As it was I was limited by the 13″ cutting board I used. The starter also was weaker, because I hadn’t refreshed it in a couple of weeks at least. The tang was less noticeable, though the bread itself was still nicely holey. I’m also not too happy with the crust, I think the previous one’s was better. I don’t know if it’s my steaming technique or spraying or the dough itself. …read more

Testing for windowpaning.

Smooth as a baby’s bottom

Yes, it’s alive!! More than double the original volume!

My mini-baguettes. Next time I’ll try longer. Also need to work on my shaping, but I’m happy with the way those slashes opened up!

Nicer color and blistering on the boules. They were nearer the top of the oven and no rack on top so more heat circulation, compared to the baguettes. A little too brown though I think.

Requisite crumb photo. Would love to get more holes next time, but I daresay, it’s not all bad for a first-timer.
I asked my …read more

Well, I took Breadchick’s advice and made some pancakes with the starter I’ve got. They produced fluffly pancakes, but they were quite a bit denser than regular pancakes leavened with baking powder and soda. Nevertheless, a good start, and proof that it is edible:D. I followed instructions posted by Bud Mathews at the Sourdough Group at Yahoo.
Take 1 cup of starter out of the refrigerator several hours or the night before you plan to use it to bring it to room temperature. To the starter, add
2 tablespoons canola or other cooking oil
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 …read more

Sourdough experimentation continues. That liquid that you see at the top, apparently, is something called hooch. Nothing to worry about, doesn’t mean my starter’s dead.
More information about sourdoughs and hooch here:
Caring for Your Starter
How sourdough bread works
Sourdough Starter as Ecological Model
The Zen of Sourdough
Bethany’s Sourdough Saga
Breadchick’s Yeast Beast
Tips for a Healthy Starter
I fed it again, and it bubbled up soon after. Waited 6 hours then put it back on the fridge. It’s got hooch in there again — so I guess it’s hungry again? I’ll feed it tomorrow.