sourdough french bread

How To Make sourdough french bread

• 
  Step 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.
• 
  Step 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.
• 
  Step 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).
• 
  Step 4
  Punch down and divide in half. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
• 
  Step 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.)
• 
  Step 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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