Australia!! Bet you guys have opposite seasons! I live on the southern tip of Baja California and we are in our hottest hurricane season... no baking for me for at least another month. I am looking forward.

A good starter can be made with 2 c. flour, white or wheat, 1 T. dry yeast and enough lukewarm water to make a thick batter. Don't mix too much, just enough to break up the lumps. Let stand in a warm place for at least 24 hours. It will rise and fall back on itself, and at some point a liquor will form on the top which can be stirred back in.

DO try flapjacks made with this starter!! Beat 3 eggs, add 1 cup milk and 2 cups starter. Blend 1 3/4 c. flour with 1 tsp. soda, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1 1/2 t. salt and 1/4 c. sugar. Combine everything (don't mix too much) and cook on a hot, greased griddle. These freeze beautifully and reheat in the toaster.

A good Sheepherder Bread:

1 1/2 c. starter
4 c. flour
2 T. sugar
2 T. oil or butter
2 t. salt
1/2 t. baking soda

Blend the dry ingredients together, make a well in the middle, add the liquid ingredients and mix well. Knead til smooth and shiny, let rise til double. Allow to rise again in a bread pan, or make a round loaf, and bake at 375 F. about 40 minutes or until done.

You can use starter in virtually any bread recipe as part of the liquid. Always be sure to add equal parts flour and water back into your original starter, let it rise in a warm place then store in the fridge til you need it again!

Best to you in Austrailia! Enjoy!
Somer