Update #2 on Crustopher… Wow, did I seriously underestimate the complexity of sourdough! I had no idea the level of passion, science, and dedication required to create a new starter. Honestly, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed this week. To help, I joined a Facebook group for beginner sourdough bakers, and it’s been a game-changer. I’ve never posted questions in a Facebook group before, so stepping out of my comfort zone has been a big deal for me—but the insights I’ve gotten have been incredibly helpful. I think.
This week marks one week with Crustopher, and let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster. He stopped doubling in size and actually stopped growing altogether. I’ve switched up my approach: I’m now measuring in grams instead of cups, put him in a new jar, and have reduced the amount of water I’m feeding him. The experts say this is normal and that he’s just going through the different stages of development. I figured out I had been using too much water before, so switching to grams has helped me avoid that problem. The starter is finally starting to show signs of the texture I need for baking, though I’m definitely giving him at least another week to fully develop and get back on track with growth.
I’ve also been doing some research on the tools I’ll need once Crustopher is ready for baking. Here are a few items I plan to purchase, though I want to do a little more research on the baking products before pulling the trigger.
Thanks for following along this journey with me so far. If you have any sourdough starter tips and tricks please send them my way.
Karissa Beck
Giirrllll! I feel your struggles and challenges all too well. I too am doing a sourdough journey. I decided to go with a developed sourdough starter because I was deathly afraid of what you are going through. So I give you so much credit for doing it yourself! Amazing!!! Before receiving my little bundle of joy I named Dough-na-Ella, I too purchased all of the above items you purchased. I am also following every sourdough Instagramer known to mankind. The videos are extremely helpful ! A couple of things I would recommend after baking my first couple loaves that you DO NOT yet have on your above list are: a kitchen scale (everyone seems to measure this way in all the videos I have watched), banneton baskets (proofing baskets) with the liners included, a dough scraper that is flexible, shower caps or plastic bowls covers for when your dough is proofing, and flour/powdered sugar duster. I LOVE mine!
Anyway, I wish you all the best on your journey! I have faith that your starter will come around in no time and then you won’t know what to do with yourself baking anything and everything sourdough! Good Luck!
Here is a website I found that has helped me!
Shttps://sourdoughexplained.com/sourdough-baking-tools/
Hi Shasta
THANK YOU SO MUCH. I am excited that we are on this journey together. The morning after I said I was giving up he grew and is now ready to use … there may have been some happy tears. I do have a scale but after diving into a million YouTube videos I do realize the importance of those other items so I will absolutely be grabbing those. Do you do an overnight loaf or do one during the day? I think I have found a few recipes but feel like time is my biggest barrier right now.
Appreciate the help 🙂
Karissa