Salt Rising Bread
2 1/2 cups potatoes, sliced
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 quart boiling water
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup warm milk
1 tablespoon shortening, melted
11 cups flour
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon salt and the cornmeal over potatoes.
Add boiling water and stir until salt has dissolved.
Cover and keep warm from noon to the following morning.
Drain off liquid into a large bowl.
Add the baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar and 5 cups flour to the liquid.
Stir until ingredients are well blended.
This sponge should be the consistency of cake batter.
Set mixture in a warm place, and let rise until light and full of bubbles.
This requires about 1 1/2 hours.
Scald milk and cool to lukewarm.
Add shortening.
Add milk and remaining flour to sponge.
Knead for 10 to 12 minutes and shape into loaves.
Makes 3 medium-size loaves.
Let rise until light - about 1 1/2 hours.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.
