1 medium potato, sliced
1 tbsp. corn meal
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar
2 c. boiling water
3 c. flour

Night before, place potato, corn meal, soda, salt and sugar in a Pyrex dish. Pour boiling water over first 5 ingredients. Stir. Cover and put in oven with light on for 10 to 12 hours, until light and foamy.

Next morning, remove potatoes. Stir in flour to make a stiff batter. Let rise until double in bulk in oven with light on.

To Make Bread:

2 c. very warm water
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. shortening
4 tsp. sugar
2 c. plain flour (approximately)

Combine with rising mixture to make a stiff batter. Work in about 5 or more cups flour to make a soft dough. Divide into 3 portions. Let rise 10 minutes. Knead portion for each loaf about 3 minutes. Place in greased pans. Butter top of loaves. Let rise almost to top of pans.

Bake 15 minutes at 450°F; 25 minutes at 350°F.