Mary Carter's Sourdough Bread

In college my sweet friend Mailey always had the best recipes, Halloween costumes, and bedroom details. All of that credit goes to her mom, Mary Carter. I made Mary Carter's sourdough recipe for the first time my junior year of college, and let me tell you it is addictive. This sourdough bread is a little involved, but it is worth the time and effort. Enjoy!

STARTER INGREDIENTS:

·       1 Cup Warm Water

·       3/4 Cup of Sugar

·       1 Tablespoon of Yeast

·       3 Tablespoons Instant Potato Flakes

BREAD INGREDIENTS:

·       1 Cup Starter (see below)

·       6 Cups Bread Flour

·       1 Tablespoon Salt

·       1/2 Cup Sugar

·       1/2 Cup Canola Oil

·       1 1/2 Cups Warm Water

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make starter portion:

-  In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup warm water, 1/2 cup sugar, yeast, and 3 tablespoons potato flakes. Let sit on counter top for at least 24 hours.

Make bread portion:

- In a large bowl mix together 1 cup starter, bread flour, salt, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup oil, and 1 1/2 cups warm water (use this water to rinse the starter jar), make sure you mix them well. knead for 5 to 10 minutes.

- Let stand on counter top covered with towel under a warm light for around 8 hours.

-  Punch down and knead on a floured surface, this will remove air bubbles.

-  Spray loaf pans with cooking spray and divide the dough equally among the pans (shaping into loaf form). Let rise 6 hours, covered with parchment paper.

-  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cool, then remove from pan and serve.