Classic Sourdough Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Mix sourdough starter, 2 cups warm water and 5 cups flour in a large bowl. Mix well; cover with a dish towel and let rise 8 hours or overnight.
2. 2
   Combine yeast. 1/4 cup warm water, and 1/2 teaspoons sugar. Let stand 5 minutes, until mixture bubbles.
3. 3
   Place flour mixture in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add yeast mixture, salt and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar. Mix well. With your hands or a dough hook, knead while gradually adding up to 2 additional cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Knead until a smooth, soft dough forms. Dough should be shiny and supple, not sticky and wet. If you plan to add additional ingredients (see note), add them at this point so they are evenly distributed.
4. 4
   Place dough in oiled bowl; cover with dish towel and let rise about 2 hours.
5. 5
   Punch down and divide in half for 2 large loaves or fourths for four smaller loaves. Knead each portion by hand on a lightly floured surface until smooth; shape into rounds. Place on a parchment- lined baking sheet and lightly cover with a dish towel. Let rise 1 hour, until double in size.
6. 6
   Preheat oven to 375*. Just before placing bread in oven, place an ovenproof bowl filled with 2 cups of water or ice cubes in the bottom of oven to create steam to help the bread form a crisp crust.
7. 7
   Slash tops of loaves with a sharp knife. For a rustic look, sprinkle with flour. Bake about 45 minutes, until loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. 8
   Note: To make Sourdough Olive Bread, saute 1 cup chopped kalamata olives, 1 chopped small yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves in 2 Tblsp. olive oil until onions are tender. Cool. Add to dough during first kneading and proceed with recipe.