sourdough french bread

How To Make sourdough french bread

• 
  1

  In a large bowl, soften yeast in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Watch for bubbles.
  Then blend in 2 cups flour, starter, sugar, butter and salt.
  Mix well with wire whip.
  Don't forget to put more flour and water in your starter.
• 
  2

  Combine 1 cup of flour and soda in a separate bowl and mix with a wire whip.
  Stir flour/soda mixture into the flour/yeast mixture.
  Add enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough.
• 
  3

  Knead on a floured surface till smooth (5 to 8 min).
  Place into a greased bowl (I use butter) and turn to grease all sides.
  Cover, set in a warm place, and let rise until double (approx. 1 to 1 1/2 hours).
• 
  4

  Punch down and divide in half.
  Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
• 
  5

  Shape into 2 oblong or round loaves.
  Place on a greased baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
  Or shape and place into bread pans.
  Cover and let rise until almost double (about 1 hr.)
• 
  6

  Brush tops with water and make diagonal slashes across the tops
  Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.
  Bread loaves: 25 min
  
  Remove from baking sheet.
  Cool on bread rack.
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