October 16, 2011 - 9:25pm
First time starter troubles
I tried my first starter this week. I used Peter Reinhart's Seed Culture recipe in The Bread Baker's Apprentice (seep p.229). After 3 days, following the feeding directions exactly (even weighing out the water), my starter has not shown the slightest life, and a gray-ish surface has formed. There is no evidence of any growth, even when I let the 3rd day sit an extra night, as the instructions say. I used a disposable plastic container (Glad brand). I will try again (probably a different recipe), but I am looking for opinion on what sort of issues might cause an unsuccessful attempt like this and advice on what are the pitfalls in starting a culture. Thank you to all, in advance, for any input and help.