Sourdough Bread

I decided to try and make sourdough bread. It is something I've wanted to do for a while, but as some of probably know, sourdough requires a starter. A starter is that invaluable mixture of flour and water that has fermented and is used as the rising agent, like yeast or baking soda. Most people get the starter from a friend (Friendship bread anyone?), but I alas, don't know anybody who has some. So... unfortunately for me, I made some from scratch. Add flour and water together and let sit. For days. I'm not that patient! :D Thankfully, my starter began well and didn't grow any nasty bacteria. Of course... after waiting on the starter to ferment, you have to make a sponge! and then make the bread and then let it rise (for almost a whole day) and then finally, after a week's worth of patience, and several floury counters, I got to put the bread in the oven and bake it. It turned out fairly well. A bit heavy, could have used a bit more rising time, but I ran out of (you guessed it) patience! Oh well, It was very yummy, not too sour and definitely amazing with some local honey on it. Anybody else ever tried to make sourdough?

The finished product.

Mike about to enjoy the finished product.