Alaska's Golden Spoon Heirloom Sourdough Starter was an idea I had a few years ago. I wanted an easy way to share my starter with friends and family, but it's often very hard to transport. The gases in the ferminenting yeast quickly build up and will explode! (I tried several ways and always ended up with a gooey mess in my luggage.) 

Starters are often kept alive for decades and often I hear someone bragging about their Starter dating back to the Goldrush era. I decided to see if I could find out who had owned my starter and what I found was a treasure of stories.

No, it does not go back to the Klondike or any of the other goldstrikes in Alaska, as far as I have been able track it. The history behind this Starter is much more interesting...and quite frankly exciting!

Dick Proenneke, a man made famous by his journals published in the book One Man's Wilderness, as well as the film, Alone in the Wilderness, brought this sourdough starter with him as he began his life in the wilderness of Alaska. It fed him for over thirty years.

Who gave it to him, and who he later shared it with, are just a few of the fascinating threads I've been able to find in documenting the geneology of this Alaskan tradition. Salmon barons, dog mushers, the mother of the Conservation Movement and many others have enjoyed the pleasures of this heirloom.

The spoons I have dipped into the starter come from a small family owned business in Texas. I really enjoy working with the folks from The Wooden Spoon Company.(though I get a little homesick for Kentucky when I hear that southern accent on the telephone!)

The recipe/rack card that makes up the packaging was designed and printed in Alaska. Though I could have gone Outside for less expensive labor and materials - I prefer to support my fellow Alaskans. Advanced Printing in Fairbanks has been great in working through designs and providing me with such beautiful packaging. They are family owned as well, and if Leah, the head designer, isn't part of the family, she acts like it!

Enjoy the stories, get some real maple syrup, and follow the instructions for sourdough flapjacks.

Invite some friends and family over for breakfast and share some tales of your own life's adventure.

Join this Alaskan tradition; add your story to this one.