Sourdough French Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 pkg. dry yeast
1 1/2 c. warm water (110~)
5 to 6 1/2 c. flour
1 c. sourdough starter
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. butter, melted (oil okay)
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. yellow cornmeal

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, soften yeast in water.
Blend in 2 cups flour, sourdough starter, sugar, butter and salt.
Combine 1 cup flour and soda.
Stir into flour and yeast mixture.
Add enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough.
Knead for 5 to 8 minutes or until smooth.
Let rise in greased bowl 1 1/2 hours, or until double.
Punch down and divide in half.
Cover and let set 10 minutes. Shape in 2 oblong loaves.
Place on greased baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal.
Let rise in warm place about one hour or until double.
Brush with water and make diagonal slashes.
Bake at 375\u00b0 for 30 to 35 minutes.
Remove from sheet and cool.