All About Sour Dough .

[Shazzy]

A lovely way to start Breakfast Chookie! Finally cooked my loaf last night and did rise well but it came out with a big split on the top side. It was like the top started to come away from the loaf on one side.  Would that have been that I had the oven too hot? Have just got my new oven so I am not used to it yet (though I love it already!). Other than that it was lovely - a different softer crumb that the sd loaf I used to make - probably because of the higher content of starter. Anyway thanks for a great recipe Chookie.

[achookwoman]

Shazzy,  congratulations on your success.  The split is usually due to the dough not rising enough befor you put it in the oven.  Also it is a good idea to turn the tin ,  half way through baking. 

[Shazzy]

Thanks Chookie - will remember that for my next attempt. Thanks for all your help with the first one!!

[achookwoman]

I have added some basic instructions on making a fruit loaf on my  Blog.

[Katiej]

Excellent, thanks Chookie.  I'm off to have a look 

[Frozzie]

Got around to getting a jar today.. Now just to get that starter started lol!

[achookwoman]

Good Kim, look forward to hearing how you go.

[Frozzie]

Chookie its a bit windy out on the deck at times.. Is it ok to put the chux over attached with an elastic band or does it really need to be just loosley over the top?

[achookwoman]

Frozzie,  put the band on.

[Frozzie]

😃

[meganjane]

Cookie that is the method I use too.  Have successfully made 2 loaves this weekend, one a spelt loaf and one a mixture of bakers flour and spelt.   

kezza, did you feed your starter with the spelt flour?

I'm wheat free during hay fever season and would love to try a spelt sour dough. I bought a loaf at woolies and it's lovely.

[achookwoman]

MJ, the bought sour dough usually has dried yeast.  I can't see why you  couldn't  use spelt,  would be a bit different but give it a go and tell us what it is like.

[meganjane]

Yes, you're right Chookie, it does have yeast listed in the ingredients.

I'll try it when things are less hectic here. We have the Centenary of our town on this weekend and I have 11 people staying here! 5 are in tents out the back because there's no room in the house.

[rostess]

I was just wondering if you could help me out with what the starter culture should smell like? You said if it smells bad then I should throw it out. I've just bought mine in from the shed where it has sat for about 4 days in nice warm conditions. I meant to bring it in yesterday but forgot to. Initially it had a sour milk smell, but now that I've taken the chux off I am getting more of a yeasty smell. It has separated into 3 distinct layers of flour on the bottom, brownish colored water in the middle, and froth on top. I'm not sure if I should chuck it out and start again.

[Aussie Brenda]

Rostess, you have a wonderful starter on the go, lucky you, I had three batches and weeks of trying before mine came good, now give it a stir and a feed.