Basic Sourdough Bread Recipe

Directions

1. 1
   ["Cool water", "Mix 1 st 3 ingreds.", "in 3 quart.", "glass bowl with wooden spoon till smooth.", "Cover; let stand in hot, draft-free place for 8 hrs.", "Add in 3-3/4 C flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and oil to the mix in bowl.", "Stir with wooden spoon till smooth and flour is completely absorbed.", "(Dough should be just hard sufficient to gather into a ball.", "If necessary, add in remaining 1/2 C flour gradually, stirring till all flour is absorbed.)", "Turn dough onto heavily floured surface; knead till smooth and elastic, about 10 min.", "Place in greased bowl; turn greased side up.", "Cover; let rise in hot place till double, about 1-1/2 hrs.", "(Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.)", "Punch dough down; divide into halves.", "Shape each half into a round, slightly flat loaf.", "Don't tear dough by pulling.", "Place loaves in opposite corners of greased cookie sheet.", "Make three 1/4\" deep slashes in each loaf.""