Sourdough French Bread

• 1 1/2 c. warm water
• 1 c. sourdough starter
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• extra flour (for kneading)
• 1 pkg. yeast
• 4 c. flour
• 2 tsp. salt

1. Pour warm water into a large bowl; stir in yeast.
2. Add starter, 4 cups flour, salt and sugar.
3. Stir vigorously about 3 minutes with a wooden spoon.
4. Turn into a large greased bowl; cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk.
5. Mix soda with 1 cup of extra flour and stir in.
6. The dough will be very stiff. Turn dough out onto a floured board and begin kneading.
7. Add 1 cup extra flour to control the stickiness.
8. Knead until satiny, 5 to 8 minutes.
9. Shape into two oblong loaves or one large loaf.
10. Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
11. Cover and place in a warm place. Let rise until nearly double in size.
12. Just before baking, brush outside with water and make slashes on the top with a sharp knife. Bake at 400u0b0 until crust is a medium dark brown, about 45 minutes.

water, sourdough starter, sugar, baking soda, extra flour, yeast, flour, salt

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=974008 (may not work)