SOURDOUGH BREAD RECIPE USING STARTER RECIPES

Steps:

• First Time Starter Directions: Mix water, sugar, yeast, and potato flakes. Let ferment on counter for two days. Then feed with starter feeder (below). If you get starter from someone else, you can omit this step.
• Starter Feeder: Combine water, sugar, and potato flakes. Add to starter. Let stand on countertop 8-12 hours, until bubbly. Refrigerate 3 to 5 days, then make bread.
• After using 1 cup of the starter for dough, pour one cup back into container and refrigerate. Discard any other starter or give to friends. Store starter in refrigerator.
• When you are ready to make more bread or every 3 to 5 days add starter feeder mix again. Stir well and leave on the counter overnight or all day (about 12 hours).
• To Make Bread: Add flour, salt, sugar, oil, and water to starter. Mix well. Knead on a floured surface for 5 to 10 minutes. Put dough into a greased bowl. Cover with a wet dish towel and let it rise in a warm place overnight or all day (about 12 hours). Punch down. Knead on a floured surface to get any air bubbles out. Spray 3 loaf pans with cooking spray and divide dough approximately equal into the 3 pans (shaping into loaf form). Let rise 6 to 8 hours, covered loosely. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 25 to 30 minutes.
• Heat a cup of water in the microwave, then with the microwave off, put the dough in there with the steamy water. Works especially well in the winter when it might be hard to find a warm place for the dough to rise.

Steps:

• Mix sourdough starter, flour, and salt together. Use enough water to make bread dough. (A moist dough is preferable to a dry dough.)
• Knead dough until it passes the “window pane test”: a small piece of dough will stretch between four fingers without breaking thin enough to allow light to pass through.
• Shape the dough into a loaf. Place in a pan or proofing basket, or on a board. Rub a little oil on the top surface of the dough and cover lightly with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise for 4-24 hours. If desired, a short (4-12 hours) proofing period can be used and the dough can be punched down, reshaped, and allowed to rise a second time, but a second proofing period is not required.
• Slice an X shape in the top of the loaf with a very sharp knife or razor blade.
• Bake at 400°F until the internal temperature reaches 210°F. (Use a meat thermometer inserted into the bottom or side of the loaf.) Bake 30-60 minutes (depending on loaf size). Cool before slicing.