Sourdough Bread

Chef mariajane's Note:

You don't have to hop on a trolley car to bring home the flavour of San Francisco. You can have it hot from the oven any time you want with this Robin Hood Sourdough Bread Recipe! Looking for a bread with a little more bite? Replace Homestyle Best for Bread White Flour with Whole Wheat or Miltigrain Blend Best for Bread Flour.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 2 loaves ...

• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 (8 g) envelope active dry yeast
• 1 cup sherwood sourdough starter
• 5 ½ cups robin hood best for bread homestyle white flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

1. Dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle in yeast. Let stand 10 minutes, then stir well. Stir in Sherwood. Add 3 cups of flour and salt. Beat with wooden spoon or low speed of electric mixer for 3 minutes.
2. Cover bowl with waxed paper and tea towel. Let Rise in warm place (75-85 degrees) until doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours.).
3. Combine baking soda with 2 cups of remaining flour. Stir into dough, Add enough of remaining flour to make a soft dough which leaves sides of bowl. Turn out onto lightly floured surface.
4. Knead dough for 10 minutes, adding enough flour until dough is smooth, elastic and no longer sticky, Divide in half. Cover with tea towel and let rest 10 minutes.
5. Shape each portion into a round loaf. Place on greased baking sheet. Cover with tea towel and let rise until light and doubled (about 45 minutes).
6. Bake at 375F on lower oven rack for 35-40 minutes, or until light golden.