New Sourdough & Sprouting Experiments

I'm starting to feel like quite the granola girl here, from the look of my windowsill at least. To both have sourdough bubbling AND seeds sprouting must count for something, right!

So remember my issues with my insubordinate sourdough? It just wouldn't take off, even after numerous attemps to revive it. Perhaps it was dried too long and just didn't want to come back to life. So, I cheated. It pains me a little to say this, because I really wanted MY sourdough to work; the one I lovingly raised and baked so many loaves with. But, when my patience ran out I went to a local bakery and kindly asked if they could spare a little active sourdough. And being friendly like bakers usually are, I did get a small sample which I have been feeding for a little while now.

See how it bubbles and thrives! When comparing this well-cared for sourdough with my old one which I was trying to bring back to life, the difference was stark. My old dough had a much more sour scent whereas this baby had a lovely aroma; milky and healthy. 

So first up was some French sourdough boules which turned out OK. Not great, but not a bad first try. Next, I'm splitting the dough, feeding one with rye from now on and the other with white flour. I have quite a few breads on my to-bake list, and can't wait to see how they all turn out.

And here we have my latest project. Organic sprouting seeds! I love the idea of basically growing vegetables in the winter on your windowsill. And with so little effort! A moment's care in the morning and a moment's care in the evening, and a few days later you have tasty little sprouts. I purchased an organic seed mix of alfalfa, radish and broccoli seeds.

My first batch turned out great. Now I'm starting my second batch, but what I really want is to run back to the store and buy a few different kinds of these sprouting seeds. Wouldn't it be so much fun to set up a whole little seed experiment lab right in our tiny kitchen!