Left: The fresh starter. Right: After 48 hours.
I never updated you on my yeast experiments from last month. Here’s the recipe I used to start my own yeast colony:
Except for some reason I didn’t boil it…I don’t know if I didn’t read the recipe close or what. Here’s what I did: I took a cup of flour and mixed it with 1/4 brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and a cup of water. I let it sit out uncovered for 24 hours, the covered and let it sit another four hours. Now despite the fact I didn’t follow the recipe, according to those in the know at Orwasher’s, this should still work. After 48 hours, there were definitely some yeasty-looking bubbles. But it also smelled horrible; Like cat puke. I closed it up and hid it in the back of the fridge, where my roommates wouldn’t find it and ask “Lohman…What’s this?”
Needless to say, I haven’t tried to make anything from it. I’ve been too scared. And that’s where it stands.
If you’re looking to try to make your own yeast, I also find many recipes, like this one, that use a combination of hops and potatoes.