Sourdough , started

I've been working on a new hobby for the last couple of months, which is making sourdough bread.  Sourdough is one of my favorite types of bread right up there with ciabatta, and I had always thought making sourdough was outside of my skill level.  Little did I know that sourdough isn't nearly as difficult as I had expected, and it's also an extremely rewarding hobby because I can share the spoils with family and friends!  There's just something really magical and comforting about popping bread in the oven and filling the house with that fresh-baked bread scent, and dipping a warm slice into olive oil or spreading butter on top.

My second loaf

My first go-round with my starter ended in failure, with the starter collecting mold and having to be tossed.  Since then, I learned to use a glass jar, swap the starter into a new jar every so often, and maintain the cleanliness of the container meticulously.  

The starter I'm working from has been about a three-week project.  I started with 100g of AP flour and lukewarm water, then after each discard I've been doing 75g of each.  Last week I finally had multiple days in a row of bubbly, doubled starter, which meant it was ready to bake, so I grabbed my cast iron skillet and got to work.  I was a little bit intimidated by the idea of hand-kneading the sourdough, so instead I have been using my stand mixer with no problem.  Most people online seem to be using a dutch oven, which I don't have yet.  That may have to be the next investment in my sourdough journey. 

On Facebook, I'm in a sourdough group, and those folks are SERIOUS about their bread!  The benefit of being in the group with them has been all kinds of knowledge imparted on me by them, as well as seeing other beginners' mistakes and learning from them.  The group has also been a big source of inspiration for different flavors and designs for the bread, which I am looking forward to trying out for myself. 

This may be my new addiction.  I LOVE sourdough and I don't care who knows it!!