Sourdough starters/ABMs

Yes, you can use sourdough starters in your ABM. (also biga, poolish, sponge, etc. etc.) Just about every ABM cookbook I have - has several recipes for this - some made completely in the ABM - and others made on dough/manual cycle - then shaped and baked.

I use my sourdough starter about 2 times a week - and I usually make 98% of my dough in the ABM on the manual/dough cycle. This is mainly because we like to get the more Artisan crusts etc. that you can get that way, etc.

One good book (and maybe your public library has it) is RUSTIC EUROPEAN BREADS FROM YOUR BREAD MACHINE by Linda West Eckhardt and Diana Collingwood Butts.

I don't agree with everything they say in there .. but there are an awful lot of good points - whys, hows, whats, etc. The book was published in '95 - and back then in many of the ABMs you put your ingredients in in different order than you do in many of the newer ABMs - but tas long as you know the whys and whats - you can still do it 'your' way.

Good luck .. and happy baking!