Sourdough Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. starter
2 1/2 c. water
5 c. flour
3 Tbsp. shortening
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 to 1 tsp. soda

Preparation

Combine starter, water and flour. Let stand overnight. Next day, add shortening, sugar, salt and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon soda, depending on sourness of starter. Stir until well blended. Turn out on well floured surface. Knead thoroughly, adding more flour as needed. Divide dough and make into loaves. Put into 9 x 5 x 3-inch pans. Let rise until double in size, as long as 3 hours. It rises slower than regular bread. Brush with butter. Bake at 400\u00b0 for 40 minutes.