The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Crying in my hooch.

sdionnemoore's picture
sdionnemoore

Crying in my hooch.

I could just cry. Maybe I will. After going through almost the entire sourdough starter process, I was on day 5 and, because I read it was a great way to warm up an oven, I tried putting my starter in the oven with the light to add warmth. A great idea since our house is usually around 65 degrees. Well, I got the surprise of my life when I opened my oven door and the oven was HOT. My ovens are new GE Monogram, so this is my first time (and last time!) using this method, because I'm pretty sure the heat killed those yeasties dead.

After some debate, I forged ahead and did my sourdough bread. Made the dough too stiff (measured, not weighed the flour). Added water. Let it set to rise. Nothing. So, after all my excitement, I had nothing to show for all that waiting and feeding and . . . *sigh* I'm back to square one. Well, actually I saved some of the sponge before making the sourdough bread. It has a few bubbles. Do you think I can use it?

 

 

Mini Oven's picture
Mini Oven

and flour and see what happens.  Why not?

 

sdionnemoore's picture
sdionnemoore

I added too much flour, then had to add water to thin the dough. But when I went to put it to double, it didn't do a thing. So I pitched it out. 

 

I saved some sponge though, so my question now is, can I revive it or should I start fresh?

Mini Oven's picture
Mini Oven

is not a bad idea.  Thinning gives the beasts plenty of space to move around.  Stirring is also good, like every 4 hours or so.  If it tastes like just flour and water, it will need some more time.  I might let it stand in a warm place for 24 hours and then make a decision.  You should also start another at the same time.  But I do think adding pineapple juice would help lower the pH to help the little beasts.  And dividing a small can or package between the two.

Mini

janij's picture
janij

I think you can revive what you have.  But I am not sure I know what you mean by sponge.  Try just feeding it.  Take like 1 T of what you have left, add 2 T flour and 1 T water.  Cover and let it sit for about 12 hrs and see what happens.

sdionnemoore's picture
sdionnemoore

Janij, I went ahead and used my starter (even though I suspected it was DOA) to make a sponge (preferment?) for the sourdough bread I was going to make. I dunno all the terms, but that's what the recipe called it. 

janij's picture
janij

So you took part of the starter and added what?  Just flour and water?  or did you add salt?  And you did this after it got too warm?  I think even if you added salt it is worth a try taking a small amount like 1 T and builing it back up.  I mean you went to all the work, I would give it a shot before you throw in the towel and start over.  If it doesn't start to bubble or do anything in 12 hrs, sorry I would scrape it.  But see what others think.  There are a lot of people here with more expertise than myself in this area.

sdionnemoore's picture
sdionnemoore

Darellmatt, that is hilarious! I'm glad you figured out your oven had such conveniences. Score one for your DD!

beeman1's picture
beeman1

That is funny.

nijap's picture
nijap

I use 100% hydration for starter and 66% for dough.  Love to preferment at low temp over night.  65F is good temp for this. Since you have the sponge left over, use it to build up starter in stages at proofing temp, until you get required amount of starter.  You may even be able to use the dough you tried before.