1
In a measuring cup combine the warm water and potato flakes.
2
In a large ceramic bowl whisk together the yogurt, buttermilk, yeast and sugar (I use my 6 quart crockpot crock).
3
Whisk in the potato water.
4
Whisk in the flour until mixture is smooth.
5
Cover with a loose lid or a large kitchen towel. DO NOT use a tight fitting lid-the gas from the starter could cause your container to explode.
6
Set aside on your counter and leave it alone for 24 hours.
7
Next morning.
8
In the bowl of your KA or standing mixer combine the warm water, sugar and yeast.
9
Give it a good whisk and let stand for 5 minutes.
10
Whisk egg in a small bowl or measuring cup.
11
Add starter to the bowl of your KA mixer-whisk well.
12
To the yeast mixture add the egg, oil and 2 cups of flour.
13
Give that a good whisk to get it somewhat smooth.
14
Attach dough hook and turn mixer on to 1 or 2 (low speed).
15
Add one cup of flour and kneed for 2-3 minutes.
16
Add another cup of flour and kneed for 2-3 minutes.
17
Add 1/2 cup of flour and kneed for 4-5 minutes.
18
You will want your dough to to be tacky but not sticky-by that I mean you want your dough to "just" pull away from the side of your mixing bowl.
19
Turn out onto a lightly floured board or counter.
20
Flour hands lightly and kneed for 2 or 3 minutes forming a nice ball-again it will feel tacky and somewhat soft.
21
Turn into a large oiled bowl, turning once to cover ball entirely.
22
Let rise 1 and 1/2 hours, or until double in bulk.
23
Punch down and divide dough in half.
24
Shape dough into whatever form you wish.
25
I make one round loaf using a small, oiled cast iron skillet dusted with corn meal, the other I shape into a Italian Style loaf on a greased cookie sheet dusted with corn meal.
26
Brush tops with oil, cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
27
Slash tops with a razor blade or VERY sharp knife.
28
Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped.
29
Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes.
30
Remove bread from pans/sheets and let cool on wire rack.