2 c. warm water
2 pkgs. active dry yeast
2 c. buttermilk
2/3 c. butter
6 tbsp. sugar
5 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
11 c. flour

Dissolve the yeast in the warm (not hot) water. Place the buttermilk, butte rand sugar in a bowl. Either warm in the microwave or heat on the stove until butter is melted. Set aside until lukewarm. It is very important to let it cool before mixing with the flour and yeast or the bread will not rise properly. After this mixture is lukewarm, pour it into a large bowl.

Add 4 cups of the flour, baking soda and salt. Mix until well blended. Add about 6 cups more flour to dough mixture. Using remaining 1 cup flour, knead dough for 10 minutes or until smooth.