1 1/2 c. hot water
1 pkg. dry yeast
1 c. sourdough starter
4 c. flour
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
About 2 c. flour

Dissolve yeast in hot water, pour into large mixing bowl and mix with starter. Add 4 cups flour, sugar and salt and stir vigorously for 3-4 minutes. Cover with towel and let rise in warm place until double in bulk (1 1/2 - 2 hours).

Mix soda with 1 cup of the remaining flour and stir in; dough will be stiff. Turn onto floured board and knead, adding more flour as necessary, until smooth and satiny (5-10 minutes).

Shape into two oblong or one large round loaf. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet; let rise in warm place until double in bulk (1 1/2 - 2 hours). Before baking brush outside with water; make diagonal slashes across top with single edge razor blade. Put a shallow pan of hot water in bottom of oven. Bake at 400 degrees F. until crust is medium brown (45 minutes for small loaves, 55 minutes for large loaf).