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From a young age, my kitchen experiences were filled with playful antics involving stretchy clumps of dough we affectionately dubbed “dough boys.” My father was meticulous about assessing hydration levels and cared for his sourdough starter as if it were a beloved family member, which has outlasted several of its predecessors.
Growing up in a household where sourdough was the norm, with Saturday mornings reserved for discard pancakes, it was only a matter of time before I began nurturing my own starter. My journey into the world of bread making introduced me to an array of tools and gadgets that promised to enhance the flavor, texture, and appearance of my loaves.
While I’ve evaluated numerous baking tools and found joy in various ones, such as my reliable KitchenAid mixer and silicone baking mats, my greatest discovery has been the Sourhouse Goldie sourdough warmer. This remarkable device has significantly improved the consistency, flavor, and overall quality of my loaves, allowing me to create delicious bread with enviable crumb structures.
Maintaining a sourdough starter can sometimes feel akin to caring for a sensitive houseplant—with frequent questions about feeding schedules, flour-to-water ratios, and indicators of readiness to bake. The dilemma of whether it will survive a vacation can also weigh heavy, leading to feelings of guilt similar to those of a neglectful parent.
Fortunately, sourdough is more resilient than most people believe. Achieving stunning, Instagram-worthy loaves isn’t as simple as whimsically mixing flour and water, yet with a consistent feeding routine, one can raise a healthy starter without excessive worry.
The cornerstone of successful sourdough baking lies in controlling temperature. The wild yeast and bacteria that produce the leavening in your bread are quite sensitive to their environment.
For optimal performance, sourdough starters prefer a temperature range of 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, often referred to as the “Goldilocks zone.” Unfortunately, this range is seldom maintained in most kitchens, particularly during the winter months when starters can become dormant on the countertop.
This is where the Goldie sourdough warmer shines. Resembling equipment from a high school chemistry lab, it features a glass cloche resting on a discreet black base plugged into the wall. Priced at less than $135, it’s an accessible investment for passionate bakers willing to sacrifice a bit of counter space for better results.
Utilizing the Goldie is a breeze: just plug it in, place your starter inside, and a light shows when it’s maintaining the ideal temperature. This consistent warm environment means steadier baking results and quicker proofing times, eliminating the lengthy waits for a sluggish starter to rise.
Although almost any container can work beneath the cloche, the dedicated starter jar from Sourhouse enhances the experience. Made from clear glass, it allows you to monitor the starter’s growth and features measurement markings to indicate when it’s ready for baking. Its innovative design facilitates easy mixing and cleaning, while the flat bottom optimizes contact with the warming plate.
If chilly mornings have ever resulted in a lifeless starter for you, the Goldie warmer effectively circumvents such frustrations. My loaves have turned out consistently predictable, tangy, and uniform, making a significant difference that has rejuvenated my baking journey. With this gadget, the unpredictable whims of nature are no longer a barrier to producing great bread.
Source
www.eater.com