joannqn Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Last Christmas, a friend gave me some sourdough starter. It's been sitting in my fridge unused because I don't know how to use it. First, is it still good? I've done nothing to it. I haven't stirred it, fed it, or anything. Second, how do you use it? I see recipes called for 1 1/2 cups but she only gave me about 3/4 cup of starter. She said something along the lines of taking out what you need the night before and feeding the starter, but I don't see how I'm going to get 1 1/2 cups out of 3/4 cups and still have any left over to feed. I'm totally confused...but I'd really like to make sourdough bread. If the starter is bad, I know she'd give me more so I still want to know how to use the stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ConnieB Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 I don't think I'd use a starter that has been ignored for a year....especially if you can easily get a fresher one. It may be fine, but why risk it. A website that will tell you more than you need, lol: http://www.sourdoughhome.com/starterprimer.html (this website has lot of advertising that is put on the site by google, etc....while I've never seen anything actually offensive, be aware that just now when I went to get the correct link to share it has a diet tips advertisement with a cartoon woman in a tiny bikini.....not offensive, but a bit unexpected for a bread website, lol. ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cylau Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 This is my favorite forum: http://www.thefreshloaf.com/forum Basically, if you have a starter, you need to feed it everyday if you are using it often. If not, you can put it in the refrigerator and feed it maybe once or twice a week, until you are ready to use it again. I am not sure if your starter is still viable or not. I would ask your friend for a fresh one. I have used the starter for French bread, banana bread, pancake and chocolate cake. You can google the recipes on the internet. I usually mix a batch of dough for French bread ready in the refrigerator, shape it the night before and put in the oven in the morning for breakfast. It is quite easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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