Light (Almost Airy) Sourdough Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough starter
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (or 1 pack)
• 1 dash salt
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 cups flour
• 1/2-1 cup additional flour, to knead
• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

1. 1

   Proof yeast in warm water with sugar. (Pour warm water in a warm bowl. Sprinkle sugar over water, stir to combine. Sprinkle yeast over sugar water. Let it sit undisturbed for 10-15 minutes, and allow it to bubble / froth. ).

2. 2

   Add starter to yeast, with the salt and melted butter. Stir in the 3 cups of flour. (I suppose you could use a mixer for this - its so simple to do by hand that I never have.) If your starter is very thin, you may need additional flour. The dough should be soft, but handleable.

3. 3

   Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 5 minutes or so. Form a roll and place in well greased loaf pan.

4. 4

   Cover with a lightweight towel or paper towel, etc. and allow to rise in a warm place. I turn my oven on warm for 5 minutes, turn the oven off, and stick the bread in to rise. This will take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on your starter, and the temperature of your rising place. It is done rising when the loaf begins to peak over the top edge of the pan.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 375* F. Bake the bread for about 10 minutes, or until the crust has reached your desired color. Cover the loaf with a tinfoil tent (leave it a bit loose so that the bread can continue to rise.).

6. 6

   Bake an additional 30-40 minutes, until the loaf is done. The internal temperature should be 190-200, and it should sound hollow when thumped. I find it easier to stick a thermometer in, than to remove the loaf of bread to thump the bottom.

7. 7

   Immediately brush the top with butter, so keep the crust moist. I like to use an electric knife to slice the bread and get beautiful, even slices.