Buddha's Sourdough Bread

Ingredients

• 1 (2 1/4 teaspoon) envelope active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup water, lukewarm (divided)
• 1 cup sourdough starter (recommended Sourdough Starter)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. 1

   Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup water. In a large mixing bowl or KitchenAid, combine 1/2 cup water, starter, honey, butter, dissolved yeast and salt. Blend well. Gently stir in flour. Knead dough for about 5 minutes, adding more flour (if necessary) to prevent dough from being sticky.

2. 2

   Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning dough to coat the top. cover with a towel and let rise until doubled (about 1 1/2 hours).

3. 3

   Punch down and divide in half. Shape into 2 round loaves and place on a parchement lined baking sheet about 4" apart. Cover and let double in size (about 1 hour).

4. 4

   Preheat oven to 400°F Bake 15 minutes; reduce heat to 375F and bake an additional 20-25 minutes longer or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pan and cool on wire racks.