Yet another SD starter question
O.K. Im still not understanding some things. I have read the recipes for a SD starter here, and in 4 different books, and I am still a little lost. I have looked around here first to try to find some answers to some of my thoughts, and Im sure someone at sometime already may have asked these. For those of you who may have already answered, Im sorry for asking again. But here it goes.
1st) Why do you throw away half your starter at each feed. I get the reason on the formula side, but not the practical side. Wouldn't it be more useful to seperate the two halves and then create two starters? Maybe not at first, but by the third or forth feeding. Or is there no upside to having multiple starters? For instance, what if one of your starters goes bad, you would then have a sister batch from it to go with.
2nd) I have read the recipes, but how do you folks store them normally? Do you just leave on your shelf, or counter, indefinately? Or do you only bring out and care for when you are close to baking days and freeze the rest of the time? I guess I still am not really asking the right way. How about this, "Over a two month period, where is your starter usually found in your kitchen?"
3rd) Why? Other than trying to create a true sourdough, for sourdoughs flavor. If you are just going to put a bunch of more intense flavors into the bread, like garlic, or herbs, or fruits, why not just use yeast? If the true sour flavor isnt the dominent flavor, are you just doing it to save cost on store bought yeast? Or is it related to longevity of shelf life of the finished product? Or is it just because you can? I am really interested, this is not a slight, or meant as an insult to any hardcore SD folks, Im just curious. I am interested in your reasons.
I have only been making breads for about a month. Ive made ALOT of bread during that time for a home baker, but not alot if your a pro. I have been reading about SD since the beginning of my learning. But wanted to wait until I felt good with yeasted breads before I moved forward to something more involved. It only seems that the more I read, the more questions keep popping up in my head as to whys, and what for.
Thanks to all of you who have taught me so much so far, I am interested in getting your feedbacks again.
TT