Back when I was a little girl, somewhere between Mr. Ed and Charlotte’s Web, I fell in love with the name Wilbur. I’ve always wanted to give the name to a pet, but I’ve never had one for whom it seemed right – until now. You see, according to all the sourdough people I’ve read, maintaining a sourdough starter is kind of like keeping a pet, in that it requires ongoing care and attention, regular feeding, a certain amount of air, and a clean, comfortable place to live. So I’ve named my starter Wilbur. I just thought you should know.
Day 8 – Not as many bubbles today, and I’m wondering if maybe I need to feed Wilbur more. Normally on feeding days, you are supposed to add enough to double your starter. For example, if you have a cup of starter, you are supposed to add a cup of water and a cup of flour. But with these small amounts, I’m not sure I should be doing that – I’m still concerned about overwhelming those little critters – so I add 1 teaspoon of water and one teaspoon of flour.
Day 9 – Smells like sourdough. Not much happening though.
Day 10 – No activity, so I decide it’s time to feed him again. For the first time, I double the amounts, adding one tablespoon of flour and one tablespoon of water.
One hour after adding 1 T. water and 1 T. flour, my starter is happily bubbling away!
Day 11 – Not much happening. Bubbles are confined under a thin layer of water.
Day 12 – Remember that scene in Charlotte’s Web where Fern has to move Wilbur out of the house and into him pen in the yard? That was today. Wilbur is finally big enough to move to a new home – a vintage canning jar with a very loose lid. I moved him, fed him and said a little prayer. From now on, I am going to try to feed him every Sunday and Thursday.
Wilbur is getting settled in his new home.
Day 13 – Bubbling away in the fridge!
Day 14 – Still bubbling!
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