How to Fix A Sourdough Starter | 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...😮😬

[@edwinaberlijn3662]

WOW good to know

[@edwinaberlijn3662]

Never thought of adding a little butter milk!

[@hrhdmk5845]

@@dorothykelley1881 Thanks for sharing, because this sounds like something that would happen to me😊. I have even seen a KZbinr who was trying to begin her starter for demonstration purposes, for it to work faster, she used her own buttermilk instead of water to get it going. Cultures are cultures, I guess! (But not for those who are lactose intolerant, I suppose).

[@lifeoutnumbered]

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.

[@bpapso]

I have been trying to get a starter going for the past week and a half. I currently have three dead starters on my dining room table and one that rose beautifully four hours after feeding it on day 2! When I got up this morning, it deflated. Disappointed but, I’m not giving up hope yet!

[@ireneposti6813]

Same here, it’s stressing me out. It did well up to day three, like she said, on day 4 it was loose and watery on top, I discarded and re fed it , on day 6 it has small bubbles but did not inflate. I’m not giving up yet though.

[@yaadasshows]

@@ashleyoakley8268at first I thought you were being sarcastic. But good idea. I am encouraged by the fact the concept is simple but understand it’s not easy. But that does make the breakthrough all the more victorious worth celebrating. I do appreciate this video breakdown. 🎉

[@ashleyoakley8268]

​@yaadasshows no, I seriously did put it in my electric blanket. No kidding, no sarcasm. Apparently our house is a little too cold. Pretty sure my husband thought I had totally lost it, but our bedroom smelled wonderful! 🤣

[@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!

[@StephanieRoberson-tb5bk]

This is all really great information, it has really helped me to understand how get started. Thank you for your great explanations.

[@carolbomba6684]

You explained it so well. I didn't know it was so uncomplicated. Thank you😮😊

[@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.

[@thefelixfam]

My started is 6 months old and before i found your videos i was struggling! Love your kind of cooking no recipes just go by feeling... thats usually how i cook too , so following your instructions really help me ! Now im baking all kind of stuff! Is not that hard ❤

[@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 !

[@bpapso]

Same here, a little more flour, than water makes perfect sense.

[@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!

[@user-sn7dw7yl2f]

You’re a great teacher and less stressful feeling to try.

[@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.

[@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.

[@AlanisOcasio123]

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

[@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.

[@bpapso]

lol! I should name my 3 day old starter Hope! 😂

[@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 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@SuperOhsarah]

I'm a new subscriber. I've had two major fails in my SD journey and two major successes. I keep telling myself not to give up❤

[@bsweat9230]

THank you for answering all my questions I did not ask!!!!❤❤❤

[@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?

[@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!

[@noye_a81184]

Love you so much, even if I'm late to the show. I was able to save my starter Ophelia using your suggestion, thank you so much! I'm back to cooking like a pro, and even able to score my boules (which was something I never could do). I am a firm believer like you, that it's not about the measurements. It's about the cook knowing her food!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@jameyfisher423]

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

[@theoneandonly1158]

Im on 4th day also.

[@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

[@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! ❤❤❤

[@melissamonroe561]

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

[@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 ❤

[@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 😂

[@marciainnocent6321]

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

[@808quake]

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

[@alyssastorey3844]

I totally agree about the feeding. I am on day 6 of my first starter and I realized within a few days that it needed more flour than water to stay happy!

[@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!

[@jandcbenoy5694]

Ty for solving the mystery of the no rise bubbly starter! Now my starter gets plenty to eat and rises up beautifully❤. What a change in my baking results!!!!

[@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.

[@QuiverofArrows]

I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am that I have found your channel. Everything is very informative and easy to digest. You have so much wonderful information and wisdom you are sharing with the world. This mother of 6 is overjoyed. FYI : I tried your discard sourdough biscuits, and they were amazing and a big hit. I'm going to try this sourdough lemon blueberry bread next. May the Lord continue to bless your family and your hands.

[@ChrissyDesigned]

The “more cow bell” reference has me! Lol 😂 I’m making some of that starter yeast & then going to try out some of your recipes! I would love to be able to make my family fresh breads. 💕

[@Walkingtalkingprayer]

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!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@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!!

[@ghizlanetalbi7768]

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

[@HopewellHeights]

Thank you! ❤️

[@KenIvywood]

I was actually on day 4 on making starter and I was glad to hear that I was ok

[@angieludlam6419]

Thank you for simplifying the directions.... worked out that my problem was the water. I live in southern Cal. and our water is aweful!!! Once I used filtered water the starter did much better!!! The suggestion of cutting down amounts was perfect for me. First loaf is good. Need some more practice!! Thank you for the videos!

[@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 🤗

[@nicolewatters4062]

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

[@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!!

[@scentsbyemebathbody3161]

So amazing bread ! Thank you for sharing this ❤ !

[@MakingMyAbodeOTR]

Newbie sourdough gal here 👋 I just watched your ultimate guide and now I'm watching this video. I tried a starter recipe I saw on someone else's video and it wasn't going well. It was a non discard recipe. Anyway on day three the dog got into it while we were out to dinner 😵‍💫😬😅 These videos are incredibly thorough! I'm trying a new starter tonight and am so excited. New subscriber...living your content and your blog is beautiful 😍 😊

[@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

[@victoriafinley2360]

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

[@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.

[@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!!😊

[@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!🫶🏻

[@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!

[@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!

[@DaughterOfOaks]

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! 🌻

[@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! ❤

[@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 .

[@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!!

[@nathaliemora4933]

These look delicious! definitely will use your tips and will start again with my starter!

[@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.

[@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 ~!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@tyeshaplummer8408]

Hello, on my last failed attempt at a sourdough starter my sourdough formed a firm layer over the top of it like it was getting to much air I believe but im not sure. Do you think it was getting to much air or not enough? Any advice would help. My last sourdough starter failed because I accidentally baked mine as well but there was no saving it like you did😂

[@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 🙏🏻

[@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!

[@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!!❤

[@Rodawg708]

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

[@bekkimcnamee7081]

Thank you❤. You are awesome😊

[@yenniefranklin1982]

Well thanks for that I think I’ve got it now but I’m going to go and have a bit of a practice I’ve been following you for sometime but I stayed right to the end of this time I don’t always have the time because I work but I’m a grandmother of 76 and my grandchildren are not babies the late 20s and 30s and I love experimenting on them still now Thanks again I’m gonna have another go I’ve got a week off so I can really have a play love your videos and love watching you and your family thanks Jeannette New Zealand ❤🎉

[@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?

[@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!😊

[@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.

[@jaylynnthompson6836]

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

[@NicoleHoltActress]

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

[@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?

[@gunther13101]

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

[@tammyloustorydickerson4447]

Om goodness!!! I couldn't wait to get on here and thank you thank you thank you!!!....I just starting making bread,. Mostly yeast rolls with active dry yeast...I was afraid to do the sour dough bread ... Because of you, I did it!!.. no measurements, no fancy basket, no nothing really but flour, water and salt.... And I watched your video, and watched and watched, and I did it!!., I made starter, and then bread!!!., I'm so excited👍,... My crust is pretty crispy and kinda hard, but the inside is delicious!!., can you tell me how to make the crust a little softer???❤❤❤

[@bekahbeeb]

I know this was posted 9 months ago, but the "cow bell" got you another subscriber 😂😂😂

[@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 😊

[@gwenabee4ever]

Thank you! You answered all the questions.

[@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!

[@siowbihchiou8240]

hi, I am all the way from the other side of the globe - Malaysia. I began this sourdough thing after I watched your videos and I actually eyeballed everything. by the way I am about to leave for a short roadtrip but the thing is, I have a starter that is on the 3rd day. what should I do? should I bring it along and feed it today? or, can it wait till I come back tomorrow?

[@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

[@GiftedLegna]

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

[@rebeccakeenaghan2062]

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

[@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?

[@pasveritas1872]

I love your content and persona ❤ thankyou Hopewell x

[@jewelthompson3492]

Mistakes help you learn better. So I'm glad you made that mistake because it made me learn form this.

[@lindabeauchamp2991]

Always look foward to your videos

[@turtlegirl7680]

Hello Could you please share the name of the bakeware that you bake your wonderful sourdough breads in? I looked through the Amazon store link but did not see one. Thank you in advance. I currently have 3 baby starters in my kitchen and their success is a credit to you and your KZbin vidoes. They are active and happy so far. 5 days old Thanks again, Tina

[@Raee225]

I just got a starter from my sister in law. I had good success with it for about a week. Then it stopped rising. I learned that temperature makes a huge impact. I live in a very cold environment and the temps recently dropped right when my started stopped rising. Any tips on combating this in the winter?

[@hrhdmk5845]

You could leave it on top of your fridge near the back; that spot seems to stay warm.

[@samanthaweber875]

Do you have well water? For those of us in a village on their water would you suggest buying spring water?

[@kimd8rh15]

Thanks to u..I am now making everything sour dough..🙌 if I was still indulging in regular bread and pizza I would be 10 lbs. Heavier..why didn't my grand parents tell me about this 🙄

[@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?

[@yesseniamoreno2581]

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

[@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 😊

[@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 ❤

[@marisameans9859]

More cowbell! Awesome!

[@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?