Hi Ashley, as long as you're still seeing some bubbling activity after feeding, then your starter is probably fine. Just peel off and discard the crust, and continue feeding as usual. Warm dry air is likely to form a crust on the surface of a starter, so be sure to cover your starter well in future. The reason we say to "cover loosely" isn't because the starter needs airflow in order to ferment properly, but because fermentation gases can build up in a tightly lidded container and cause the lid to pop off. It's fine to cover you starter securely with plastic wrap or a lid, as long as you vent the gases now and then. If your starter isn't bubbling at all after its time in the oven, then it may be wise to start over. I wouldn't recommend turning on the oven to warm your starter, but you could try putting it in there with the oven light on. I hope all is well and you've been able to continue with this starter!
April 7, 2020 at 9:48am
In reply to I turned my oven in the warm… by Ashley (not verified)
Hi Ashley, as long as you're still seeing some bubbling activity after feeding, then your starter is probably fine. Just peel off and discard the crust, and continue feeding as usual. Warm dry air is likely to form a crust on the surface of a starter, so be sure to cover your starter well in future. The reason we say to "cover loosely" isn't because the starter needs airflow in order to ferment properly, but because fermentation gases can build up in a tightly lidded container and cause the lid to pop off. It's fine to cover you starter securely with plastic wrap or a lid, as long as you vent the gases now and then. If your starter isn't bubbling at all after its time in the oven, then it may be wise to start over. I wouldn't recommend turning on the oven to warm your starter, but you could try putting it in there with the oven light on. I hope all is well and you've been able to continue with this starter!
Barb