Many years ago, while on vacation, in California, I purchased a Sourdough cook book.
Sourdough Jack, was the name of the book and of the author.
The book came with a packet of dried Sourdough Starter. I followed the instructions and
the starter began to work. I would start by removing the Sourdough Starter from the glass
jar in the refrigerator, add warm water and 2 cups of flour. Put it in a warm spot with a towel
over the bowl. I would do this at night so the starter could do it's work, overnight.
The next morning that lumpy mess that I had left covered was silky smooth and ready to
get with the process. First things first. I removed one cup of the starter and put it back into
the glass jar and place in the refrigerator.
Now bear in mind that the remaining concoction was still working, so if I was making Sourdough
Pancakes, I would add a little baking soda and sugar. It would foam and was ready.
I'll spare you the details, in this writing.
I have given a cup of Sourdough Starter to many friends over the years. It was good that
I did as I was making a batch and the bowl broke and was not useable, so I called my friend
and she made a batch and returned a cup to me..
Recently, because of the quarantine many people are taking up baking. Try finding flour
in the grocery stores.
I brewed a batch of Sourdough and removed a cup for a friend and a cup for my jar.
She is anxious to begin baking bread.
Remarkable, when I think back to when I purchased the book and Starter, 50 years ago.