Hello,

I am just starting Peter Reinhart's "starter" and am in the seed culture phase, the very beginning. I just completed day 2. Day 1 said 1 cup of dark rye, (I used pumpernickel flour) and 3/4 cup of water. Place in 4-cup measure, tape level of mixture, cover and let sit 24 hrs. He said it should not rise much at all. By the 23rd hr., it was about 25% risen. Then day 2 mixed 1 cup bread flour, 1/2 cup water and the sponge. Well, I did this at 4:30 today, it is now 2 hrs later and it is rising considerably. He says still should not rise today. What should I do, stir it down or leave it alone. Also, it does not smell bad. The room temp. is about 73-74 degrees.

Thanks for any info and advice, love this wonderful site.

Jean P.

Does anyone know how much dough in weight that the NORPRO 8x4 1/2x3 inch bread pan holds and how long to bake it at 350 degrees?? I called the company and they have no idea and I don't have time to experiment today. Thanks! This is for wheat bread.