The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

what's a starter supposed to look like?

flour-girl's picture
flour-girl

what's a starter supposed to look like?

OK. Please excuse another newbie sourdough question.

I'm following Hamelman's recipe for the Liquid Levain Culture.

I started it on Sunday and it puffed up like crazy after the first feed. It hasn't really done that since then; it just has a bunch of small bubbles on the surface. But it hasn't really risen.

It smells quite good, like sourdough.

Am I doing OK? Should I just keep with the twice-daily feedings for next several days?

Sorry for the newbie questions, but thanks for any help.

 

Happy baking!

Flour Girl

LindyD's picture
LindyD

You're doing great, Flour Girl. Just follow his instructions and keep on feeding on his recommended schedule.  It takes time to develop a strong culture and as it matures, it will get even better.

Never apologize for asking a question - that's why Floyd set up this site.  :-)

flour-girl's picture
flour-girl

guys. It's quite bubbly, but hasn't risen after that first feeding. I'll just keep feeding it every 12 hours and maybe try some pancakes this weekend with the discard portion. I think I'll wait a while for real bread, though.

 

Thanks!

Flour Girl