BIG OLE BILL'S BUTTERMILK BREAD

Big Ole Bill's Buttermilk Bread image

Provided by Bill Heleine

Time 4h20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

5 1/2 c flour (bread flour works best)
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 pkg active style dry yeast
2 tsp sea salt (any other will work if you dont have it)
1/4 c sugar
1/2 c salted butter
1/2 c warm water (110 degrees is best)
1 1/2 c buttermilk

Steps:

1. Mix yeast and warm water in a bowl. Let it set for around 10 minutes or until frothy.
2. Heat buttermilk and butter in a sauce pan until it has melted. Set aside until cool.
3. Place all dry ingredients except flour in a mixer's bowl. Add 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time while mixing with a dough hook. Add yeast and buttermilk mixture. Add the remaining flour and mix until dough is not sticky.
4. Kneed dough on floured surface for a few minutes until the dough is soft and smooth.
5. Place the dough in a bowl that was greased with cooking oil. Turn the dough in the bowl so the other side is also greased. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm area until doubled in size. This should be around 2 hours give or take.
6. Punch down the dough and knead a few times then divide it in half and knead a few more times. Shape into 2 separate loaves and place each in a greased bread pan.
7. Cover pans with plastic wrap and let it rise until dough is about 1 inch above top of bread pans.
8. Bake in 375 degree pre-heated oven for 20 to 30 minutes until lightly golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
9. When finished, removed from pan and place loaves on wire cooling rack. Cut a slice off and dump a boat load of butter on it. Enjoy!