Buttermilk Bread II

This bread is delicious plain or toasted. I make it at least once a week.

Original recipe makes 2 loaves

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1/2 cup margarine
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
5 1/2 cups bread flour

PREP

20 mins
COOK

35 mins
READY IN

3 hrs

Directions

Proof yeast in warm water.
Place the butter or margarine and buttermilk in a small saucepan. Heat slowly until butter or margarine has melted. Cool to lukewarm.
Place sugar, salt, baking soda, buttermilk mixture, and yeast in large mixing bowl. Add 3 cups flour one cup at a time, and mix with the dough hook attachment of an electric mixer. Gradually add the remaining flour while continuing to mix. When dough is not sticky, turn out on a lightly floured surface. Knead for several minutes, until the dough is soft and smooth. Place in a greased bowl, and turn once. Allow to rise until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough. Divide, and shape into 2 loaves. Place in two well greased 8 x 4 inch bread pans. Allow to rise until dough has risen one inch above pans.
Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Loaves are done when nicely brown and hollow sounding when thumped.