Sourdough Bread

Sour dough  bread is made by using sourdough instead of yeast. It gives your bread a slightly different taste then if you used yeast, but it is still every bit as good.  This recipe takes 2 days to make a loaf of bread, so you will need to start making your bread the day before.

Ingredients

2 Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 c. water
6 to 8 c. flour
1 Tbs. melted butter or olive oil
1 c. starter

Directions

One day before you want to serve the bread.

Dissolve the soda in the warm water.

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, soda, water, starter, and 3 cups flour. Beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended.

Cover the bowl with a towel. Place the bowl in a location that is free from drafts. Let the batter rise at room temperature for at least 18 hours.

About 4 1/2 hours before serving.

Stir 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour to make a soft dough. Turn out the dough on a floured surface. Knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Cut the dough in half. Shape each piece into 2 flat, round loaves measuring about 7″ in diameter. Or shape the dough into 3 loaves. 

Place the loaves on well greased cookie sheets or in well greased loaf pans. Cover with towels and let rise in a warm location until doubled.

Preheat oven to 350°. Brush the top of the loaves with melted butter. Cut 3 to 5 slashes across the top of each loaf if you are baking them on a cookie sheet.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown. The loaves should sound hollow when tapped.