September 23, 2006 - 4:41pm

sourdough concerns
Hello. I am posting for the first time. I really enjoy this site. I have learned a lot and am wowing friends and family with my new found skill. I am trying a sourdough starter for the first time. I have read a lot about how to do it and currently I have a lovely bubbly mess after 3 days. My concern is about the bacteria and other beasties in the starter. I share my house with 4 dogs, six cats and a toddler. We have lots of muddy paws and dirty diapers. The starter is in a glass jar, with a lid, in the pantry but I am worried about what it is picking up. I don't think, even if I get a wonderful loaf of bread out of it, that my partner will eat it. Any thoughts?
gaypet
It's in the pantry with a lid on. You're fine. Think of all the products you buy that are full of living creatures: yogurt, beer, wine. And the yeast you buy at the store? Same thing. Think of all the things you aleady eat in your house with toddlers and dogs.
And remember, you're going to bake it in the oven at 400+ degrees.
My starter was happily bubbling in three days too. You're doing fine :)
Don't worry about it. As long as it is covered it will be fine. Make sure the cover isn't tight when it is out of the fridge because the pressure can build up from the gases. Sourdough is a lot of fun and it tastes awesome.
Thank you. I will let you know how things go.