Sourdough Starter

Funny how one thing leads to another.  My post about my Easy Bacon-Potato-Cheese Soup was also going to include the recipe I use for Sourdough Biscuits.  Then I thought I may want to refer to them on other times, so a separate post was probably in order.  When I posted the recipe for the Sourdough Biscuits, I thought some of you may need Sourdough Starter (just called starter from now on).  So here is a bit about starters.  Where to get them or how to make them yourself, if you're so inclined.

Now matter how you obtain your starter, you'll need a few things to store it and propagate it.

A glass container.  I use a 1-1/2 pint mason jar that originally came filled with Classico Pasta Sauce.  If you use one of these you'll need to throw away the metal lid and get a box of plastic caps.

The easiest (and cheapest) way to get some starter is to beg some from someone you know who uses sourdough starter. If you don't know anyone who has a starter they can set you up with, you can join the Sourdough group at Yahoo Groups.  Many of those folks will send you a dried culture of their starter if you will provide a Self-addressed and stamped envelope.

If you are unable to get some starter from someone, you can try a commercial starter.  I've used, and had good luck, with the Gold Rush Sourdough Starter.  I have heard good things, but haven't personally tried, the Breadtopia starter.

I would avoid the jars many try to sell as part of a "Starter Kit" as they use a lever seal.  Sourdough starter gives off gas while it's working, so your start jar should not have a tight seal.  In addition, you don't need a special stir stick.  I use the handle of a wooden spoon about 98% of the time.  The other 2% I use the spoon end.

Finally, you can make your own starter.  It's not hard at all. But there are enough variables that I will make that another post!