Sourdough bread has always been one of my favorites and I’ve gotten many requests to make some. But I have never been brave enough to attempt it as I have visions (nightmares) of “Herman” permanently taking over the bread kitchen.
For those of you that grew up in the ’70’s, you may remember that ubiquitous mass residing in a glass container on the kitchen counter. Every couple of days he was fed sugar and flour and knocked down into submission, only to rise again by the next day. After about a week, a portion of him was scooped out and handed off to an unsuspecting “friend”. This cycle then repeated itself and soon everyone was exchanging Herman – no event or chance meeting at the grocery store was safe from the ever present Herman who could be lurking in a purse or back seat in the car, ready to find a new home and host (victim).
Eventually, after several rounds of feeding and splitting, you could take a portion of Herman and turn him into a coffeecake, pancakes or other delectable bread item. But then the cycle began again and Herman became a demanding mouth that always wanted feeding and attention. Fast forward to the present, and with a full time job and busy weekends I have been hesitant to adopt a hungry mouth to feed and constantly take care of.
But friends that have taken the plunge assure me that true sourdough is actually different and more docile than the Herman of old. Books and anecdotes assure me that this is a new day and it is possible to keep starter under control. Recently my niece informed me that she has begun exploring breadmaking and has specifically taken up sourdough. So far I haven’t been offered a little shapeless mass to set up shop on the kitchen counter, so it may be OK. At any rate I feel like the gauntlet has been thrown down and it is high time to consider sticking my toe in the proverbial bread pool to see if I get bitten. Time to dust off my books on sourdough and clear off some counter space to set up living quarters for a new “friend”. Who knows, there may soon be a shapeless mass just waiting for the opportunity to come live with you (you’ve been warned)! Stay tuned….
Bugby
Bugby Bread 