liz (06/22/82)
English Muffin Bread 2 packages active dry yeast 6 cups unsifted flour 1 Tbl sugar 2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking soda 2 cups milk 1/2 cup water cornmeal Combine 3 cups flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Heat liquids until very warm (120-130 F). Add to dry mixture; beat well. Stir in rest of flour to make a stiff batter. (Note: I ended up with a soft dough.) Spoon into two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch pans that have been greased and sprinkled with cornmeal. Sprinkle tops with cornmeal. Cover; let rise in warm place for 45 minutes (Note: I find a gas oven is warm due to the pilot light, and I let my breads rise in there. Just make sure you take it out before you start preheating.) Bake at 400 F for 25 minutes. Remove from pans immediately and cool. Microwave directions: Reduce flour to 3 cups in first step, 2 cups in second. Mix and let rise as directed above. Microwave each loaf on high power for 6 minutes, 30 seconds. Surface of loaf will be flat and pale in color. Allow to rest 5 minutes before removing from pans. To serve: Slice and toast. Makes 16 slices per loaf.