How to Fix A Sourdough Starter | Baking Sourdough Artisan Bread

Let's simplify sourdough and address all the most common questions and concerns in this video - and of course, make some delicious sourdough artisan bread! If you've yet to watch part 1 of this video, I highly recommend doing that. It's linked below along with all the things I mentioned in this video.
SHOP My sourdough essentials here on my Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/hopewellh...
Baker's Buckets: amzn.to/4aZ6gka
Sourdough Starter Jars: amzn.to/4aXIDZn
Foldable Proofing Box for Sourdough: amzn.to/3tWiaL2
My favorite dresses for everyday wear that are maternity and nursing-friendly: www.neuflora.com/?ref=W4OeJ
Ultimate Guide to Sourdough - Making a Starter and Baking Artisan Bread VIDEO: • How to make a SOURDOUG...
The Perfect Artisan Loaf - Beginner's Tutorial VIDEO: • Sourdough Artisan Brea...
Simple Sourdough Artisan Loaf Recipe - Beginner's Guide BLOG Post: hopewellheightsblog.com/sourd...
Sourdough Blueberry Bread - Artisan Loaf Recipe BLOG Post: hopewellheightsblog.com/sourd...
How to Make a Sourdough Starter BLOG Post: hopewellheightsblog.com/sourd...
How to Make Open Crumb Sourdough Bread VIDEO: • Fall Baking on the Hom...
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Troubleshooting
22:56 Baking Sourdough Artisan Bread

[@whitneymichelle8300]

I kept my starter in my fridge for seven months after a traumatic event in our family. I took it out just before Thanksgiving and that buddy bounced back like nothing happened. Lol.

[@dorothykelley1881]

My fridge has been freezing almost everything and when I put my starter in there about a cup and a half, It froze totally hard as could be. When I remembered it I pulled it from the back of shelf where it was hidden, set it out to thaw so I could throw it away. When it thawed I feed it just to see if it would do anything Viola. Bubbled up the best it every had. As I feed it again I added small amount of buttermilk, made the best bread I have made so far...Who would have thought? So amazing...😮😬

[@Truelaine1]

I have watched so many sourdough videos to try to understand how to be successful at sourdough and this video has made the most sense from all others. I thoroughly enjoyed this video and learned so much. Thank you for sharing. I would be one of your "imaginary clients" for sure!

[@Itsangela87]

I had my starter on top of the stove and my partner turned the oven on, also baking my starter...and GRACE survived! She didn't have a name until then.

[@Rodawg708]

I LOVE that you end the videos with a recipe. I’m so glad I found your channel. It keeps me motivated to get stuff done.

[@chrissmarie455]

I 💯 agree! I had ZERO luck with starter UNTIL I made it pancake batter consistency every time and BOOM my starter thrived!

[@survivalhomesteadteachingfarm]

After 3 years of trying and failing, you are the reason why I can do sourdough now! So I am incredibly thankful you troubleshoot and break things down to where I can understand. I admire all you do!

[@emilyhobson3028]

I am one of those poeple that started a sourdough starter last week and gave up last night lol but, since seeing this video, im going to keep going. Luckily, I still have the starter. Lol Thank you for posting this !

[@kimberlylois4855]

I keep a “dry starter” and take little bits of that to make a levain for whatever I’m making. I love it. I keep it in the fridge and I feed it / refresh it every 10-14 days. So easy!

[@lifeoutnumbered9416]

I am an experienced baker. Like mastered French Macarons and Creme Brûlée and making my own starter was not easy. Simple? Yes. Easy? No. I have never felt so much anxiety that I was messing something up than I have during this venture. I have researched so much almost daily. Like what is my sourdough starter doing day five for example. And that was something I didn't expect because everyone had said it was so easy. Honestly it felt like having a Newborn baby as a first time mom hahaha. Babies are simple they just need food and the right environment and kept clean. But you are still so unfamiliar you don't know what to expect and every baby is a little bit different. Sourdough was really the same way for me. Like finding the sweet spot for warmth and the sweet spot for feeing it and how big I need to keep it in order to keep it active enough. I just wanted to share my experience so if other people who felt that way too don't feel alone.

[@ashleyoakley8268]

Yes! My starter didn't grow until I made it a nest in my electric blanket and fed it brand new bread flower! Then it exploded.

[@tetianakolokolova1752]

Lucky to find you after my troubles with my starter. It was runny for a long time with some light bubbles, so, like you suggested I add more flour and the next day I got my starter double in size, was so happy!!! Thank you a lot!

[@KL-oh3lp]

Thank you for this. So many sourdough recipes are unnecessarily complicated - your more relaxed explanation works for me. I can’t wait to try again.

[@ashleyoakley8268]

Okay, I clicked on this video for the blueberry bread... Then I saw you make it into french toast!?!? What?? Drooling over here on my way to feeding my starter RIGHT NOW! ❤❤❤

[@TheTandumbs]

I’ve been dabbling in sourdough for a while. I ended up storing it in the fridge. This video just made it click in my brain!!! Thank you!

[@Sidiandore]

I just wanted to say thank you. My starter finally 'came alive' yesterday after over a week of struggling with it. ❤

[@amclaudet]

I was so excited when mine was finally done!! Same time as yours! What have you made so far?

[@jameyfisher423]

This video was perfect for all my questions!!! On day 4 of starter!! You did amazing explaining everything! Thank you! ❤

[@Cheftabathawycc8018]

Hello, I am so glad I came across your page. I am a personal chef. However, I have never made homemade bread. I have watched all your videos, most of them anyway. Lol. I am hooked. I am going to start my starter. And I'm going to start making homemade bread, and maybe I can start that as a business. Thank you for giving us so much knowledge. You would truly be blessed for everything that you have done for all of us. Thank you so much

[@PineTreeHill22]

I am so happy you posted this! Watching now! I started mine last week with your video, and my starter was rising well in days 3 and 4. Now it’s not really rising. Thank you for your knowledge. ❤

[@letifromtexas6543]

@user…same thing happened to me.

[@kerrikerry6687]

Ive just come across your videos and I must say a huge ‘THANK YOU’ as the way you simplify sourdough has allowed me to wrap my head around it a lot easier. And Im not feeling intimidated by it as much now. Ive been away for six weeks looking after my grand daughter during the Australian Christmas holidays. I purchased a live starter from a company here in Aus but there was no explaination on what to do to get it going so I’ll be trying to get that active in the next few days. Do I feed it and leave it out on the counter or place it into the fridge. Id say the counter. Im really not sure!

[@roseofsharin]

Same happened to me. I'm not giving up though! 😅💪

[@JahneshaH]

Same 🎉😂. I moved to the country from a city and just learning how to really cook from scratch. I was about to give up after day 3 or 4 of my starter. It seems to be back on track.

[@roseofsharin]

@@JahneshaH We can do it! Happy cooking!

[@umzmumkandi296]

I love how you simplify this process. I do it a lil differently but at this point in my sourdough journey more instinctively. Some need this explained in soooo much detail. It’s not that complicated 😂

[@melissamonroe561]

I found ur channel while looking 4 sourdough starters. I must say that, having watched several now, I really am enjoying ur channel!

[@SunraeSkatimunggr]

You got me inspired! My start is 5 days old and just starting to smell better. I have made yeast bread for 50+ years and tried sourdough once but didn't like the results. I would love to see your recipe for your sandwich loaf. I will look to see if you have one already.

[@debcobern312]

I haven't tried doing sourdough in decades but you've made me anxious to give it ago again...even at turning the ripe old age of 75 on 2/2!!!!!! Thank you and God bless you and yours! 🤗👍💖🙏🙏💖

[@HopewellHeights]

So excited for you to give it a try! ❤️

[@Iamstephaniesamuels]

Happy Belated Birthday 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@marciainnocent6321]

Best teacher for explaining so much about starter. Mine is doing so good since watching your video on how to make starter.TFS

[@ashleamendelson1414]

Can’t wait till next week! I found you and I’m super happy. I’ve wanted to make sourdough bread for the longest time but it all seemed so complicated until I found your channel. You are so informative and explain things in detail for beginners like me who have a hard time understanding. Thank you 🙏 I plan on being a long time viewer and baking student all the way from Missouri 😊

[@inmyvintagegarden]

Me too all the way from Canada ❤

[@CarolePenhaleKing]

I like your explanation, Im making it now. After the stretching i let it sit on the counter over night. And it really doubled. My dough was really wet. So i folded with lots of flour. Its in the fridge now. Cant wait to try it. Thanks

[@808quake]

I am new to baking. I love your Baking Schedule Option on your Blog which helps a lot ! Thank you

[@lindabeauchamp2991]

Always look foward to your videos

[@helensergify]

Thank you! I finally figured out what I was doing wrong, thanks to your video. My starter wasn't rising as much as before and it ended up I wasn't discarding enough. Thanks again!

[@pasveritas1872]

I love your content and persona ❤ thankyou Hopewell x

[@gwenabee4ever]

Thank you! You answered all the questions.

[@TiaFaith]

So glad I found this video to help with my starter woes. Your blueberry loaf was gorgeous. I’m an imaginary client and I’ll take a loaf 🤗

[@lindsayvanvlack7312]

Is it safe to bake with the discard when you have a starter that is not established yet? Like can you use day 2-4 discard to bake with? Can you show how to use discard in a recipe? Your videos have been so helpful and totally calming my anxiety around it! So happy I found you!

[@gunther13101]

Watched your first video and it was great!!!!! Thank you for explaining everything so clearly!💕

[@melissaevans4396]

Oh my goodness that looks amazing! I hope it was as delicious as it looked. I most definitely am going to make your recipe of this. I’m so excited to try this! Thank you for the hard work and advice ❤

[@nicolewatters4062]

I'm on day 3 of my starter, thanks to you. You've made it so easy for me. Ty ❤

[@reneahuffman8364]

Thank you for this video! I commented on the last one with issues. You have answered so many of my questions! The day after I commented, I think, I threw out my original starter. Super mad at myself! But, I immediately started another. So, yes. Thank you!!

[@rorriewright9011]

I love this!! Love all the sourdough recipes!!! Learning sourdough is for me!!!! I am excited for these videos!!! Thanks for sharing... i did go and read your blog! Very understandable!!! Thank you!!😊

[@ummmyes]

You had me at "don't be a germophobe". I wonder what the last years have been like for you :) Thanks to you, I finally get it and my starter behaves like it's supposed to. Thank you so much!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@maryannhaller3273]

Thank you so much for doing this video, I really appreciated it.

[@maryannhaller3273]

I must tell you that for months I did just all purpose flour with absolutely no luck. It was when I did the rye that it took. I just started mixing some bread flour and the rye and that took also. I am so excited.

[@GiftedLegna]

Thank you for your time and information. I’m on day 4 and utilize the tip on keeping it thick.

[@ghizlanetalbi7768]

I learn a lot everytime i watch your videos. It’s genuine

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you! ❤️

[@rebeccakeenaghan2062]

Oh my gosh you are glowing 😊 and another great video I am now making my own bread and 8t feels amaz8ng x

[@marytillison8392]

Thank you for doing step by step on starter I’m on day 3 so excited! You made everything so clear to understand! Love your videos your such a beautiful person!!

[@TheLifeMidwife]

This is SO helpful!!! I've been struggling for months with so many failed attempts at cultivating a sourdough starter. I've watched so many youtube vids, read books, blogs, etc. I'm learning a lot from you. Thank you! 🌻

[@barbmeasell7230]

Oh my goodness I am starting a sour dough starter. Everyone made it sound so hard and you just simplified it to me.. Thank You!!

[@faithreyes8797]

Love, love, love this video. I have been making sourdough bread for about a year now and you are still teaching me things! Thanks so much!!❤

[@ezellfam3625]

I felt as if you were in my kitchen, looking at my starter and explaining to me what is wrong with it and how to fix it. Thank you for sharing!

[@melodybarry3127]

Finally, someone else with a proofing box! Our house stays at 65°.

[@kristenmcmunn8342]

Thank you so much for this!! I just started making sourdough and watched your 1st video after following other tutorials, and it was super helpful. And you're right- the first faq you addressed is the issue I'm dealing with right now! Lol I feel so much more confident in my sourdough adventure now! Lol thanks again 😊

[@jaylynnthompson6836]

Your bread is gorgeous. Yum. I'm scared of starting my starter 😢. You do make it seem easy.

[@samanthafitch952]

I am excited to begin this journey and thank you for sharing your knowledge I know nothing about this, but I am so excited to learn and experience the process! And I would definitely be one of your clients, your bread looks amazing! I just discovered you today and immediately started following!

[@Rodawg708]

I started mine after your last video and it’s not going well. I’m so glad you’re doing this!

[@lauracosta690]

Loved this video! Thank you for breaking everything down and just making it super easy to understand and work with. I’ve been working with my sourdough starter for about 4 years now, but it’s been a slow process for me making it only when I have the time. I’m now in the habit of making bread and other sourdough things weekly! ❤

[@victoriafinley2360]

This is so helpful!! I would love you to make a video on "selling sourdough". It would be very informative and fun!!

[@NicoleHoltActress]

The bread looks just SO delicious! You inspired me to start my own sourdough starter. Day 1: today!

[@Sunnylane02174]

This is such an amazing sourdough video! I’m guilty of keeping too much in my jar. I bake a lot but not everyday. Thanks for this video!!! It was a huge help!

[@MoonFlower52798]

Thank you!! You've inspired me to try making a new starter again!! The last 3 or 4 times I tried, I probably gave up too soon, or something freaked me out, I'm not sure, but you've given me the confidence to give it another go! I just want to master this!

[@tahoe4beauty]

What a sweetie pie you are ~ Oh Boy, Oh Boy 😊 you explained everything in such a clear, easy to understand way, I felt like I was sitting in your kitchen shredding the mystery on how to build a robust starter. Waiting the half hour to add in the salt..another good tip! I will be back, heck I'll just subscribe and DING 🛎 DING the Happy Dance outa here. Great teacher ~!!

[@lisacarden1309]

Thank you Sweetheart! 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@cschultzy]

Ahhh!!! Love this video. I'm a sourdough newbie and between this video and the last, all my questions have been answered!!! Yay🎉 Also, you keep it so simple. Other videos made me feel discouraged. ❤ THANK YOU!

[@HopewellHeights]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SandyL1591]

This was incredibly helpful! Thank you!! I’m so glad your channel popped up for me, just when I was about to give up on this DIY yeast process. Now instead of throwing out my “unsuccessful” starter, I’m going to go add more flour to her since she is pretty liquidy! Here’s to hoping that gets her going, day 4 🙏🏻

[@Jess.E.17]

I had left a comment, but you totally answered my question! Thank you for this video! Any tips for those of us above 5,000ft?

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

The blueberry looks👌🏻

[@HopewellHeights]

It’s everyone’s fave in our house!

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

@@HopewellHeightsI have sourdough rising right now, so I am going to make one loaf this way. Thanks!🫶🏻

[@piki4862]

It took me about 5-6 months to create my starter. It was anything but simple BUT now I've had my starter for 8 years. I have left her unfed in the fridge for a year but I take her out and mix in the chooch and let her come to room temp for 12 hrs and feed her for 2-3 days and she's wonderful and back. I don't discard anything now.

[@debbiealb2647]

Your french toast looked wonderful. Question when the started in the refrig and you need to feed it, do you feed it cold or do you wait for room temp to be feed. Thank you for sharring.

[@janestevens4954]

You just answered my questions about what is going on with my new starter! I was adding too much water and not discarding enough! Thank you. Hopefully I can fix it.

[@debbiem3559]

I will be new to sourdough. I know nothing about it and stumbled upon a channel that spoke about it. I struggle with gut issues and read that sourdough is great for people who have gut health issues. I am beyond excited to start this. I just began watching your channel/videos last night and I love how informative you about ALL. I live in the city and am psyched! I have a question with regards to discards; can you save discards for later use (like 2-3 days)? If so, how do you store and for how long can you store?

[@Maiasatara]

Hearing 8-12 days makes me feel so much better! My first try i was active after 3 days then I went to hospital suddenly and threw it in the fridge for two. After returning - nothing for a week. So, I started over and have seen nothing for 4 days. I've been using AP and whose wheat and boiling tap to remove chlorine. Buying rye flour today and crossing my fingers.

[@athomewithpatriciavvieyra6709]

Hi , love this continuation. Can I use this starter on any recipe that calls for yeast? Plus how much of this starter do you put in a recipe .

[@amclaudet]

I was told it was supposed to be thin pancake texture but mine took over 2 weeks to be ready. I thought it would never happen! I had no idea the hooch was meaning it was hungry! I was definitely not feeding enough some days depending on how much was discarded. Does make sense lol

[@roseofsharin]

Thank you!! I was having all the typical problems you mentioned, in addition to my house being chilly due to this weather pattern. I'm going to use your tips and add more flour. I'm on day 8 of my started so my next question is how long do I continue this process? Will the starter eventually mature if I continue to discard, add, and keep warmer?

[@jeanetteharris373]

I tried it a few years ago, and made it to day 4 or 5, and then must have produced the houch. It smelled almost like nail polish! I caved and threw it out. I think I'm ready to try again!😊

[@yesseniamoreno2581]

Thank you for your videos! How do you know your starter is mature. Thank you 😊

[@royalicing8603]

SO GOOD!!! THANK YOU!!❤ I have a quick question...occasionally I get that dark liquid on the top of my starter (hooch?), do I pour it off? Or mix it in?

[@cindystutts3477]

What temperature do you use for proofing the dough in the proofing box? Also, my biggest challenge is knowing when bulk fermentation is done. Any suggestions are very appreciated. Love your videos. Thanks for all the work 😊

[@karenrconn]

I found your channel last night. You inspired me to try AGAIN my hand at starting sourdough starter. I have not been successful with they in the past. Our old farm house is always cold. Looking at your lovely kitchen, there did you acquire your proof box? And what is your bread oven, it is a special equipped just for bread?

[@LadyAmby]

I just made the lemon, blueberry artisan bread from Einkorn this morning. Beautiful looking but I haven’t tasted it yet..

[@ariainman6691]

I have been baking Sourdough Breads for 8 years. NEVER really believed I had it PERFECT. After watching this Video I believe this is PERFECT. The Sourdough Starter is best THICK Keep a small amount of active SDS in refrigerator. The Day before you are going to BAKE Remove the Tiny Amount from refrig. Feed 1/2 cup Rye or Whole Wheat Flour and 3/4 cup of water. Let is sit...BAKE. DID I GET IT RIGHT? THESE ARE THE NOTES I WROTE FROM YOU. Looking forward to try. THANK YOU FOR SHARING, Aria

[@HopewellHeights]

Yep!

[@irissanchez2832]

I’m actually struggling with a flat starter, and I’m on day five. I will try adding more flour and less water. Thank you.

[@jocelyndasilva3065]

This is great information! One question, if my starter didn’t rise on day 7, (because I was going 1:1 ratio)and I added more flour/less water and had better luck with the rise. Where do I go from here, would you recommend starting steps 3-7 again?

[@JenniferJones-ll4sf]

Love your videos. What is the size of your clear glass dish?

[@nessak907]

Hi! Do you do a quick freeze to the proofed dough before you bake?

[@maryridenhour9441]

What are the domed dishes you use to bake the bread? Where can I find them also. Thank you. Love your videos.

[@melaniethorne9396]

I’m building my first starter with your last recipe!! It looks amazing. My question is can you keep immature discard or do I toss it until it’s mature?

[@cheyennehoneycutt5934]

Thank you so much for these videos, I began my sourdough starter a few days ago and I’m noticing a lot of liquid content and not much activity. (Just like you said it did really well the first couple of days about day 4 now I’m noticing the extra liquid) I will do a good discard tomorrow and try out a thicker consistency when feeding! I do have a question though, are there ever any scenarios where discoloration is okay? It does not appear to me to be mold, and as far as I’m guessing the smell is okay it almost looks as if the top oxidized some but only happened in one of my jars. I have two going with the intention of gifting one. Again thanks for the super thorough videos, this is something I was always afraid to try but with you help it has been a lot easier.

[@christianavega6668]

I would love the video on baking sourdough to sell!

[@desireebright7475]

I really want to make sourdough and your videos have been the most helpful! I just have one concern/question... after you have a mature starter can it be left alone for several days without feeding? Thinking of when I go on vacations. God Bless!

[@Valerie-xn9kg]

Can you advise me on a sourdough starter. I'm not going to be making lots of bread but I would love to make my own sourdough starter to make my bread. What would I have to do to have enough sourdough starter to make a loaf every few weeks? Valerie.

[@TheRusticHomemaker]

Do you know about how high your bread ovens are? I really wish my Aldi would get these again! Thanks!!

[@emmapautler4543]

I’m adding more flour per your suggestion. I’m determined not to give up on my starter. Should I be feeding it twice a day or just once? It does not appear to be doubling at all right now.

[@liudmylaturlak1293]

Hello dear, where did you buy your cast iron bread oven ? Thank you 😊

[@kellygeraghty6830]

Can you tell me what brand bread oven you have? And if you like it?

[@savinginstyle]

Where did you get the Clear baking dish and Lid? As well the bake wear ypu Baked the bread in as well?

[@gailstritzel9066]

I just started my starter today and so excited. My question is.... how do you know how much mature starter to use in a recipe? What I mean is if you are not starting with a written recipe, is there a set rule as how much starter to use?

[@gloriabrooks1119]

I love your videos and have always wanted to try making sourdough bread. Thank you for making this video! I'm on day 4, lots of activity, but it kind of smells. Is that normal? Almost like cheese or expired milk?

[@HopewellHeights]

Yes! The smell should become more like sourdough over the next few days!

[@fordy9erfan]

I want to know how you keep your starter going once established? After you bake bread, do you have to feed leftovers all the time?

[@kerynchapman5782]

do you use the fan forced setting or bake on oven.

[@michelleagyemang868]

If you put a starter in the fridge and pull it out to use it do you always have to discard half and re feed it flour and water? I used my starter and fed left it on the counter for 8 hrs then put it in my fridge for two days and now I want to make bread or pancakes (after letting it come to room temperature) do I need to discard some and re feed it flour and water, wait for 4 hrs before using it? Also where can I find your guide and schedule for maintaining sourdough on your blog? Sorry for all the questions newbie here 😅

[@hickoryhillinthebigwoods-r759]

What appliance is below your cooktop? I can't figure it out. It almost looks like a pizza oven or something. Thanks for the valuable information!

[@joannethomas782]

I've just started making a starter, I'm on day 3 today. I've been pouring my discard into a separate jar and stored it in the fridge. Question, do i feed the discard or just keep adding to it. Can i use the discard in a discard recipe now or is it too immature? I was hoping to use the discard for pancakes

[@PatriciaCastro-rn2wg]

If you live somewhere where its hot do you keep it in the fridge? Or is it safe at room temp still?