posted by pepe85323 11-21-102 6:53 PM
Sourdough French Bread
11/2 cups scalded milk
1 pkg dry yeast
1 cup sourdough starter
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp salt
5 to 6 cups flour
In a small saucepan, scald the milk and set it aside to cool. When the milk has cooled to 110o, add the yeast to proof. After the yeast is proofed, pour into a large bowl and add the sourdough starter, sugar and salt. Knead in 5 cups of flour and set in a warm place, under a damp cloth, to rise until double.
While waiting, lightly grease a baking sheet and set it aside. When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and place it on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough at least 10 minutes adding flour as needed.
Cut the dough in half and shape each loaf. Set them in a warm place, covered with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled.
Preheat the oven to 400o.
Just before baking the bread, fill a 12x71/2 inch baking pan with an inch of water and place it in the bottom of the oven. With a razor slice the top of the loaves, brush with water and bake for 45 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when thumped on the bottom with a finger.