Appreciation post: Our local cafe's sourdough starter fail started a town baking thing

So my favorite spot in town posted that their sourdough starter died, which was a big oops for them. They asked for help online, and literally everyone chimed in with their own starter dramas, lol. Now we've got this informal weekly bake where people bring loaves to share. It's honestly turned a baking mess into a fun neighborhood habit. Anyone have tips for a beginner trying to join in?

3 comments

3 Comments

reed.eva1mo ago

Has your friend dealt with a starter that just wouldn't rise? My buddy had one that stayed flat for weeks, but then someone from a baking group showed her a trick with warmer water.

harper_gibson21mo ago

Oh man, "stayed flat for weeks" sounds like my first starter that had zero ambition. I swear it was just sitting there judging me while I fed it every day. Tried moving it to a sunnier spot, using bottled water, the whole nine yards. Turns out my place was basically a fridge and it needed a cozy blanket. Some of these cultures are more high maintenance than a fancy houseplant.

lewis.charlie27d ago

Tell your buddy to check her thermostat. My kitchen was so cold last winter my starter basically went into hibernation and gave up on life. Wrapping the jar in a towel and using water straight from the hot tap for a few feeds was the only thing that shocked it awake. Felt like I was running a tiny yeast hospital.