Foolproof Sourdough Starter

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk (skim, regular or buttermilk)
• 1/2 cup unbleached flour

Directions

1. 1

   Mix the milk and yogurt together in a glass or pottery container (Do not use metal).

2. 2

   Place lid on it, but don't seal it (sealed starters have been known to explode).

3. 3

   Put mixture in a warm place (80 to 90 degreees)for about 24 hours.

4. 4

   The yogurt and milk will seperate forming a large curd, when adding the flour just stir it all back together.

5. 5

   Add the flour stir, and put back in warm place for 3 to 5 days; stirring daily.

6. 6

   It will bubble and have the odor of fermentation--it is ready to use.

7. 7

   Remeber the starter is a living thing and needs to be fed and fed frequently when an infant.

8. 8

   I feed the "infant" weekly by placing it on the counter for several hours and allowing it to come to room temperature.

9. 9

   Then remove 1/2 cup starter, discarding the remainder.

10. 10

    Feed the 1/2 cup with equal amounts of milk (buttermilk will produce a stronger sour taste) and unbleached flour; i.e. 1 cup flour and 1 cup milk plus 1/2 cup of starter.

11. 11

    If you would like, you can feed the starter with 1/3 cup dry milk powder and 2/3 cup bottled water in place of the 1 cup milk.