Fun with Sourdough

I love sourdough.  I've contemplated making my own starter before, but I was never serious until a trip to Sweet Tomatoes last month gave me the umph of motivation I needed to actually do it (they have amazing sourdough bread).

I basically followed this method here at King Arthur.  It worked out pretty well, though I did have my doubts then and again.  After several days it would bubble pretty vigorously between feedings, but it never increased in volume, not even a little bit (and it's supposed to double).  So I followed a tip I found and substituted a little rye flour in with several of the feedings and that seemed to do the trick.  Within 11 or 12 days of starting I had an active starter!  It now lives happily in the fridge and I take it out every week (or longer) to feed it.

I've made pizza dough, bread, and most recently, pita bread.   I definitely have a lot to learn, but it's been fun to play with so far.  If anyone (that lives near me) wants to give it a try, I'm sure I can coax a baby out of mine :)