Someone gave me bread starter but did not tell me how to take care of it

[Mskayladog]

Is a potato flake starter, I have it in a mason jar with cheesecloth over it now what?

 

[wyoDreamer]

Never heard of a potato flake starter.
I have heard of using potato peels in water to catch wild yeast and start a sourdough. So maybe that is what it is?
Treat it just like a sour dough starter I believe. Stir it everyday, feed it once a week. Feed it the night before you want to use it with 1 cup flour, one tablespoon of sugar and one cup water.

Maybe someone who knows will chime in.

 

[Mskayladog]

Do I keep it in the fridge.

 

[ArmFarm]

Yes you keep it in the fridge. It sounds like sourdough bread starter, then you feed it with a mixture of instant potato flakes, sugar and water. Did they give you the recipe for the bread and how to feed it? If not, I can scan my recipe and email it to you.

 

[Mskayladog]

Thanks I did find some info here http://www.angelfire.com/ab/bethsbread/sdPotatoFlakeStarter.html

And the recipie

Ingredients for 2 - 3 loaves of bread:
1 c starter (see above)
1/2 c sugar (some recipes call for less sugar)
1/2 c corn oil
1 Tbls salt (some recipes call for less salt, 1 to 2 tsp.)
1 1/2 c warm water
6 c bread flour OR 4 c bread flour & 2 c whole wheat flour


If your recipe is different I would love to have it.

Also. Can I use all purpose flour instead of bread flour?

 

[wyoDreamer]

Bread flour has more gluten in it than all-purpose. the higher gluten makes the dough "stretchier" and helps make for a better rise and "nicer crumb" .
The all-purpose will work, but the bread may be a touch denser than it would be with a bread flour. Alternative is all-purpose with a tablesoon or two of "Vital Wheat Gluten" added to the dough. you can buy this at the store, this is what I do so I don't have to store two kinds of flour.

 

[Mskayladog]

Thanks! I love this place so much info and helpful folks.