Monkeyphish32081's blog

Well I had to throw out my sourdough starter again today because it was dead.  This is starting to get frusterating.  My first starter I was able to get a loaf out of and before I could test out another loaf, I wake up to find flies in the starter and the lid off!  ARG!!  So that same day, I start up a new batch and after a week, it smelled of mildew.  I am VERY determined to make it work this time...No matter what it takes. 

After reading Peter Reinhart's Bread Bakers apprentice and Whole wheat breads countless times, doing my best to get what I can from them, I caught my first sourdough using the pineapple juice sollution.  I was rather excited when I noticed it very active and kept feeding it.  I found a recipe on this site and thought it would be easy enough to try and to get more familiar working with a wetter dough.  I noticed that the bread lacked body and strength but baked with it anyways.  I was afraid that the temp would be too hot for too long but I wouldnt know unless I try.  I was pleasantly surprised when the dough was perfectly baked (maybe slightly dark but anyways) and the flavor was pleasant.  Next time I plan on working out the issue with the strength by mixing it for a longer period of time of adding vital wheat glutin and not baking it quite so long.  I feel wonderful and eager to try countless other recipes (and develop some of my own)!!