Creating a Sourdough Starter
Creating your own sourdough starter is a fun and rewarding process. To get started, you’ll need a few
key ingredients: flour, water, and patience.
Choosing the Best Flour
When it comes to choosing the best flour for your sourdough starter, opt for unbleached all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour. These flours have a higher protein content, which will help your starter develop a strong structure. My flour of choice is King Arthur’s Bread flour.
I’ve personally had the best and quickest results to achieve an active starter and begin making beautiful loaves of bread that our family loves!
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Creating an Active Starter
Once you’ve mixed your flour and water together, it’s time to wait for the magic to happen. Your starter will
need time to ferment and develop those characteristic sour flavors. Keep it at room temperature and feed it regularly to keep it
active and healthy. I highly recommend using mason jars to grow your active starter in!
When and How Much to Feed Your Starter
Feeding your starter regularly is essential for maintaining its activity. Generally, it’s recommended to feed your starter once a day or every 12 hours. The amount of flour and water you add depends on the size of your starter. A good rule of thumb is to feed it with equal parts flour and water by weight.
When to Bake with Your Starter
Once your starter is active and bubbly, it’s ready to be used in baking. You can test its readiness by performing a float test. Drop a small spoonful of your starter into a glass of water – if it floats, it’s good to go!
Discarding and Maintaining Your Starter
As your starter grows, you may need to discard a portion of it to maintain its balance. Discard about half of your starter before each feeding to prevent it from overflowing. You can use the discarded portion to make delicious sourdough pancakes or waffles.
Bread Utensils and Products
When it comes to baking sourdough bread, a few key utensils and products can make the process easier. A Dutch oven or a baking stone can help create a crispy crust, while a bench scraper and a proofing basket are handy tools for shaping and proofing your dough. 
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating your own delicious sourdough bread. Happy baking!