Sourdough Starter

By jedrew_52

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 2 1/2 cups warm water (105 - 115 degrees)
• 1/4 ounch (2 1/2 tsp.) active dry yeast
• 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
• Special equipment: cheesecloth

Preparation

Step 1

In a bowl stir together sugar and 1/2 cup water. Sprinkle yeast over mixture and let stand until foamy, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in remaining 2 cups water and flour until smooth and loosely cover bowl with a piece of cheesecloth and then plastic wrap.

Let starter stand at room temperature, stirring 3 or 4 times a day, until it is bubbly and has developed a strong sour odor, 5 to 10 days. Starter can be kept indefinitely if it is "fed" regularly. Otherwise it will keep covered and chilled, about 1 month. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.