Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl dissolve yeast in warm water, mix with starter.
  2. Add 3 cups flour, sugar and salt, stir vigorously 2 or 3 minutes.
  3. Cover with a cloth, set in warm place and let rise 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  4. Mix baking soda with 1 cup of remaining flour and stir in, the dough should be stiff.
  5. Turn out onto a floured surface and begin kneading.
  6. Add the remaining 1 cup of flour or more if needed to control stickiness.
  7. Knead until satiny, between 5 and 10 minutes.
  8. Shape into 2 oblong loaves or 1 large round loaf, place on lightly greased cookie sheet.
  9. Cover with a cloth, set in warm place free from drafts and let rise 1 to 2 hours or until nearly doubled in size.
  10. Before baking, brush outside with water and make diagonal slashes across the top with a sharp single-edge razor blade.
  11. Put a shallow pan of hot water in the bottom of the oven.
  12. Bake at 400° F for 45 minutes or until the crust is a medium dark brown.