A starter is a homemade yeast for bread. With regular yeast breads, you go to the store and buy packets or a jar of active dry yeast. Sourdough breads, on the other hand, get their flavor from wild yeast that is in your kitchen. It will make your breads rise and give them a unique flavor.
Sometimes capturing a good yeast can be tricky. With this recipe you will be using a commercial yeast to get the starter going. Once your starter has had a chance to bubble up and grow more yeast, you will be able to use it in sourdough bread recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Preparation:
- In a ceramic bowl, add warm water and yeast. Mix with wooden spoon until the yeast is dissolved.
- Stir in flour. Mix until smooth.
- Pour starter into a plastic container that is at least four times larger than the liquid amount of the starter, such as a 5 gallon ice cream container. This is because the starter will expand. Cover with a cloth napkin and hold in place with a rubber band.
- Set the starter in a warm spot for 5 days. Stir each day. Refrigerate and use as needed, at least once a week. Replenish with equal amounts of water and flour.
