All About Sour Dough .

[Aussie Brenda]

Thanks Chookie one less container to store.  I started a loaf yesterday but with looking after my GS and visitors it didn't get finished and has been proving until now, going to punch down and hope it hasn't exhausted itself , are there any tips in case it happens again.

[Shazzy]

Yay bubbles this morning.  Thanks Chookie for the advice - I think the extra stiring must have helped.  Will try your sour dough recipe today for the first time.

[achookwoman]

AB,  if it is still alive, feed it and it should create bubbles fairly quickly.  Keep it warm and like Shazzy ,  give it a good stir.

Shazzy,  good luck.

[Aussie Brenda]

Thanks Chookie, but I was talking about the actual loaf of bread, I ended up kneading a little more flour into the dough and it is resting now, just checked it and it is rising, so all is good.

[achookwoman]

AB, you are on a roll. Good

[cookie1]

I was always told you need to give the starter a good stir to get air into it. It is so exciting with everyone making their sourdough bread.

[Shazzy]

Sorry just me again! How long does it take for the sourdough to rise. I have had it in the tin since 10 this morning and it is now 3 and while it has risen very slightly its not even close to doubling in size.  Is this normal? I have just put it in the laundry where the sun is shining in hoping that that may make some difference. 

Also Last night I started a white starter - is it normal for the water to rise to the top? Do I just leave it now like that for the 4 days or until the bubbles appear and then stir it?

Sorry for all the questions. 

[achookwoman]

Shazzy,  it will take as long as it likes.  It is not predictable like Dry yeast.  I mixed dough this morning and it took 9 hours to double. I added fruit to it and expected it to rise slowly over night,  but in 2 hours it has doubled and I will be cooking it tonight.
Give your white starter a good stir and a tablespoon of flour  Sounds a bit too watery.  Leave it out overnight.  Could take 4+ days to start to work.

[Shazzy]

Thanks Chookie - I have been chasing the sun through the house with the loaf and it is starting to rise!  Just given the starter a good spoonful of flour and put it back outside. My 13 year old DS is quite intrigued with the process. Im hoping the white starter works as it will be good for him to watch the whole process and eat the result! I think he thinks his Mum is a bit crazy with all this sourdough stuff!

[achookwoman]

Yes Shazzy,  I think us Sour Dour Bakers are  very  crazy.  It is after 9.00 pm and I have just removed a Sour Dough Fruit Loaf from the oven.   It is a beauty ,  I will post a photo. 

[achookwoman]

Just out of the Oven.

[Shazzy]

It is a beauty Chookie - bet it will taste wonderful! Im giving mine another 15 mins (7pm) then putting it in the oven!

[achookwoman]

One of the true pleasures of life,  Sour Dough Fruit Bread for Breakfast.

[achookwoman]

Here it is!!

[Aussie Brenda]

That looks totally delicious, is that a cashew I spy in the loaf, do we have a recipe,?.