Did my starter die?
Did my starter just die without clear cause? I used it last week to make the 1,2,3 recipe suggested by another poster and it was fine. I fed it as usual and it turned a light beige/yellow color and got a bad, yogurty smell over the next 12 hours. I fed it again and it did not rise. It has been out on the counter the entire time. I have been feeding it at about 12 hour intervals, keeping it at just under 100% hydration- a bit thicker. It's fed King Arthur AP flour with occasional additions of whole grain rye. I get little bubbles and the sour smell has left, but the good yeasty smell has not returned. It doesn't rise at all.
I tried baking with it yesterday and now have three very large hockey pucks.
I've had this starter for about eight months with no problems and great results. The only difference in its care is that my house has gone from around 75-78 degrees to about 68-72 degrees during the day. But the test loaves yesterday were proofed in my warmed microwave and baked under a cloche (with added steam - kind of the belt and suspenders approach) and had imperceptible oven spring.
I'm grateful for any suggestions.
Marni