Buttermilk Bread II

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups buttermilk
• 0.5 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 0.5 cups margarine
• 0.25 cups white sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 packages active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5.5 cups bread flour

Instructions

1. 1

   Proof yeast in warm water.

2. 2

   Place the butter or margarine and buttermilk in a small saucepan. Heat slowly until butter or margarine has melted. Cool to lukewarm.

3. 3

   Place sugar, salt, baking soda, buttermilk mixture, and yeast in large mixing bowl. Add 3 cups flour one cup at a time, and mix with the dough hook attachment of an electric mixer. Gradually add the remaining flour while continuing to mix. When dough is not sticky, turn out on a lightly floured surface. Knead for several minutes, until the dough is soft and smooth. Place in a greased bowl, and turn once. Allow to rise until doubled in size.

4. 4

   Punch down the dough. Divide, and shape into 2 loaves. Place in two well greased 8 x 4 inch bread pans. Allow to rise until dough has risen one inch above pans.

5. 5

   Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Loaves are done when nicely brown and hollow sounding when thumped.