Buttermilk Bread

3 Tbsp. sugar
2-and-a-half Tsp. salt
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup buttermilk (scalded)
1 pkg. yeast
5-and-1/2 to 5-and-3/4 cups flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 400°.

In medium saucepan, combine sugar, salt and shortening with buttermilk; stir until dissolved.

Cool to lukewarm. Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water in large bowl (nonplastic).

Stir in buttermilk mixture. Add 3 cups flour and soda; beat until smooth. Add enough of the additional flour to make stiff dough.

Turn onto lightly floured board. Knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased glass bowl and cover with a cloth. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Punch down. Turn onto lightly floured surface. Allow to rest for 15 minutes. Cut in half; place in 2 greased loaf pans.

Let rise, covered, in warm place for about an hour (until doubled in size).

Bake for 45 minutes.

Yield: 4-5 servings





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