Sourdough Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Bring sourdough starter to room temperature.
2. 2
   In a large mixing bowl combine 2-1/2 cups of the flour and the yeast; set aside.
3. 3
   In a saucepan heat and stir water, sugar, butter, and salt just until warm (120-130 deg.) and butter almost melts.
4. 4
   Add to flour mixture.
5. 5
   Add sourdough starter.
6. 6
   Beat with until mixed and smooth, scraping bowl.
7. 7
   Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
8. 8
   On a lightly floured surface knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic.
9. 9
   Shape into a ball.
10. 10
    Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface.
11. 11
    Cover and let rise until doubled.
12. 12
    Punch dough down.
13. 13
    Turn out on a lightly floured surface.
14. 14
    Divide in half.
15. 15
    Cover and let rise for 10 minutes.
16. 16
    Lightly grease a large baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal.
17. 17
    Shape each half of the dough into a ball, place on baking sheet, flatten to about a 6-inch circle.
18. 18
    With a sharp knife make crisscross slashes, 1/4 inch deep, on the top of the loaves.
19. 19
    Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
20. 20
    Preheat oven to 375-deg.
21. 21
    After heated place bread in oven and steam.
22. 22
    Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes, or till bread tests done.
23. 23
    Cool on a wire rack.