I tried keeping my starter in the oven, and it helped so much… but damn this is the first time I've actually used the oven in 2 weeks and I completely forgot about it until the oven was already preheated 🥲 it's so sad
by Bubblelctra
16 Comments
WarMaiden666
Ask in your local fb groups, or local bakeries if they have any they can share 🙂
persimmonellabella
Hmmm is the middle still a little mushy… I’ve saved starters with a marble sized piece that was still intact from different « threats « ..?
StarchedHim
I did this 3 days ago. Opened the oven right as it beeped for 400 and immediately fell to my knees in anguish haha I was actually able to save it though I had enough in the jar where the middle was still only like 94 degrees so I just fed it as normal it Frodough is back
vipervt09
So, just putting this out there, a plastic tote with a light bulb is a far safer method. I attached mine to a thermometer controlled power strip for a no longer used Bearded Dragon habitat, and I can set it to whatever temp I want (ex 81°). The power strip turns the light bulb on/off as needed to maintain that temp. When it’s cold out, I wrap a blanket over the tote for some insulation.
I also use the tote to hold my dough during the bulk ferment, so no matter the season or ambient temp, my process/timings are very predictable and repeatable.
ILikeTron
Almost had the same happen to me. Luckily caught it before it really started to crank up. Mine is only a couple months old, tho.
Nada_Chance
The others have told you how to try to save it, in the future, park it on top of the fridge, next to the door edge. The anti-frost heating will keep it warm with no danger it to being baked.
FlyByNight250
I’m gunna suggest we stop normalizing putting your starter in the oven with the light on. It’s not making a huge difference. Most homes are insulated. My starter when I store in the fridge at 35f still rises after feeding just at a much slower pace. When you are ready to use it, feed it and leave on the counter until it rises. I’ve done it this way for years, and after a few trial and errors, you get the timing down. Just my personal thoughts. You can use a heat mat too.
keIIzzz
I leave mine in my microwave since I know that won’t get turned on with it in it. I’d def forget it in the oven too
eastbby923
Eat it Up in remembrance
asap_pdq_wtf
If I store *ANYTHING* in the oven, I immediately put a Post It on the oven control panel so there’s no way I could forget. Almost burned the kitchen down once with leftover pizza, still in the box.
You guys…can I tell you about my new hack?! Heating pad on the counter on low. Game changer when the kitchen is cold!! 🙌🏻 it’s how I proof my dough too when I need to speed it up.
hboyce84
I now keep a sticky note on my oven when my starter or dough is in the oven. Good luck trying to salvage a small portion! It doesn’t take much to build it back up, literally such a small amount needed so even if it seems like a loss, it doesn’t her to try and scrape some bits from the middle and feed it.
CaffiendCA
This is your reminder to freeze some starter. Or run two starters. Or do both!
Quan1um
I have a mason jar of blended up dehydrated starter, no worries about ever losing it.
Mental_Vacation
This is why I thought about it but didn’t do it. I’m terrible for forgetting. Instead I have Bert tucked up near my desktop PC. I have a nice protected, cozy spot I can see him, so I don’t forget to feed him or bake our daily loaf.
16 Comments
Ask in your local fb groups, or local bakeries if they have any they can share 🙂
Hmmm is the middle still a little mushy… I’ve saved starters with a marble sized piece that was still intact from different « threats « ..?
I did this 3 days ago. Opened the oven right as it beeped for 400 and immediately fell to my knees in anguish haha I was actually able to save it though I had enough in the jar where the middle was still only like 94 degrees so I just fed it as normal it Frodough is back
So, just putting this out there, a plastic tote with a light bulb is a far safer method. I attached mine to a thermometer controlled power strip for a no longer used Bearded Dragon habitat, and I can set it to whatever temp I want (ex 81°). The power strip turns the light bulb on/off as needed to maintain that temp. When it’s cold out, I wrap a blanket over the tote for some insulation.
I also use the tote to hold my dough during the bulk ferment, so no matter the season or ambient temp, my process/timings are very predictable and repeatable.
Almost had the same happen to me. Luckily caught it before it really started to crank up. Mine is only a couple months old, tho.
The others have told you how to try to save it, in the future, park it on top of the fridge, next to the door edge. The anti-frost heating will keep it warm with no danger it to being baked.
I’m gunna suggest we stop normalizing putting your starter in the oven with the light on. It’s not making a huge difference. Most homes are insulated. My starter when I store in the fridge at 35f still rises after feeding just at a much slower pace. When you are ready to use it, feed it and leave on the counter until it rises. I’ve done it this way for years, and after a few trial and errors, you get the timing down. Just my personal thoughts. You can use a heat mat too.
I leave mine in my microwave since I know that won’t get turned on with it in it. I’d def forget it in the oven too
Eat it
Up in remembrance
If I store *ANYTHING* in the oven, I immediately put a Post It on the oven control panel so there’s no way I could forget. Almost burned the kitchen down once with leftover pizza, still in the box.
This is why there have been dozens of posts on [how to back up your starter. ](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fafasd7sbya5a1.jpg)
You guys…can I tell you about my new hack?! Heating pad on the counter on low. Game changer when the kitchen is cold!! 🙌🏻 it’s how I proof my dough too when I need to speed it up.
I now keep a sticky note on my oven when my starter or dough is in the oven. Good luck trying to salvage a small portion! It doesn’t take much to build it back up, literally such a small amount needed so even if it seems like a loss, it doesn’t her to try and scrape some bits from the middle and feed it.
This is your reminder to freeze some starter. Or run two starters. Or do both!
I have a mason jar of blended up dehydrated starter, no worries about ever losing it.
This is why I thought about it but didn’t do it. I’m terrible for forgetting. Instead I have Bert tucked up near my desktop PC. I have a nice protected, cozy spot I can see him, so I don’t forget to feed him or bake our daily loaf.