Let the heavenly aroma of freshly baked bread permeate your kitchen. Adding sourdough starter will give your bread an added complexity of flavor.

Sourdough French Bread

1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast or 2 1/2 teaspoons
1/4 cup warm water
4 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup warm water
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sourdough starter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1. In a small bowl dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F / 40°C to 45°C); set aside.
2. Sift together flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl and add 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F / 40°C to 45°C), milk, oil and sourdough starter. Stir in yeast and mix until dough forms. Knead lightly on floured surface and return to bowl. Cover with a clean dish towel and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Turn out onto a floured surface and divide the dough in half. Shape into oblongs and place on a greased baking sheet and let rise until doubled again, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
4. Just before baking, make diagonal cuts on top of loaves with a sharp knife and brush lightly with water (for a crisp crust).
5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and bottom sounds hollow when tapped.

Makes 2 loaves.