Use only glass or pottery containers...never use a metal container or a metal spoon!

A good starter will contain only flour, water and yeast. It willhave a clear sour odor. The liquid will separate from the batter whenit stands for several days...this is not a problem.

Commercial sourdough starters now on the market are dried andpowdered. Adding water brings it to life. In growing, the yeast givesoff carbon dioxide gas which forms bubbles in sourdough or any otheryeast dough. Soda is added to react with the acids resulting from theaction of the yeast, thus forming more gas which makes the batterlighter. If too little soda is used, the product may be too sour intaste. Add the soda just before baking.

In any sourdough recipe it is most helpful to reserve one tablespoonof the liquid to dissolve the soda. Add this to the batter last, mixthoroughly, and bake. Never add soda to the starter, as it kills theyeast.

Starter:

In a bowl mix well:

2	C	Flour
2	C	Warm water
1	pkg	Dry yeast or 1 yeast cake

• Place in warm place or cupboard overnight. In the morning put 1/2cup of the starter in a scalded pint jar, cover and store in therefrigerator or a cool place for future use.
• Leave lots of room for expansion in the container, or set the lid onwithout tightening it. This is sourdough starter. The remaining battercan be used for pancakes, waffles, muffins, bread, or cake immediately.
• Starter will keep almost indefintely in a clean, covered glasscontainer in the refrigerator. If unused for several weeks, the startermay need to sit out an extra night before the flour and water are addedto stand overnight for use.
• Sourdough starter may be dried for easy storing or sharing. To dry,drop by teaspoonfuls on wax paper. Turn frequently until completelydry. In Interior Alaska, drying takes about 24 hours. Store in coveredjar.
• To reconstitute: Crumble 2 or 3 circles of starter in 1/2 cup ofwarm water and 1/2 cup of flour. Stir. Let stand overnight or untilbubbly.
• Use as directed in recipes.

  NOTE: Recipe for Sourdough Hotcakes for Three Persons can be foundin the Eggs and Cheese Chapter.