Rustic country sourdough bread
Instructions:
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 cup sourdough starter (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 packages dry yeast
- 5 1/2 to 6 cups unbleached flour, divided
- Melted butter
- Vegetable oil.
- Dissolve yeast in water in a large nonreactive bowl; let stand 5 minutes.
- Stir in sourdough starter, sugar, salt, eggs, oil and 3 cups flour.
- Gradually add remaining flour.
- Turn dough out on a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 to 10 minutes).
- Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees F ), free from drafts, 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
- Punch dough down; divide in half and place on a floured surface.
- Roll each half into an 18 x 9-inch rectangle.
- Beginning at narrow edge, tightly roll up dough.
- Pinch seam and ends together to seal.
- Place loaves, seam side down, in greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
- Brush top with oil.
- Cover loaves; let rise in a warm place (85 degrees F), free from drafts, about 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from pans; brush with melted butter.
- Enjoy Rustic country sourdough bread!