Why not gift something homemade, practical, and flavorful this holiday season—a sourdough starter! Homemade sourdough made a comeback recently due to its health benefits and valuable versatility, so jump on the low-cost and sustainable trend; it's easier than you think. The starter provides a base for all kinds of baked goods, including homemade bread, pancakes, pizza dough, and more, making it an ideal gift for the foodies and home chefs in your life.
How to Make a Sourdough Starter:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
- ½ cup filtered water
Directions:
- Day 1: In a clean jar or bowl, mix 1 cup of flour with ½ cup of water. Stir until it becomes a thick, smooth paste. Cover loosely with a cloth or lid and leave it at room temperature for 24 hours.
- Day 2-7: Every day, "feed" the starter by discarding half of the mixture and replenishing it with ½ cup of flour and ¼ cup of water. Stir well and leave it at room temperature. Bubbles will form, and the mixture will rise as the natural yeast and bacteria develop.
- After Day 7: Your starter should be bubbly and smell pleasantly tangy, meaning it's ready to use! Transfer it to a lidded jar and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake or share.
How to Gift Your Sourdough Starter:
Divide your starter into mason jars. Add a linen or flax ribbon with handwritten instructions detailing maintenance and possible uses for the starter. Get creative; there are tons of jars and stationery to choose from online and in-store. Your culinary skills will blow away your friends and family while you save a pretty penny. Talk about bang for your buck! You may even share recipes that become a family or neighborhood book. No matter where it takes you, your loved ones will appreciate the opportunity to start their own bread-baking journey this holiday season!