ALMOST SOURDOUGH BREAD

Makes 2 9x5 loaves

2 and 1/2 cups warm water, divided

3 TBL instant mashed potato flakes

3/4 cup sugar

2 and 1/4 tsp yeast

1/2 cup oil

1 TBL salt

6-7 cups flour

DAY 1

The day before; heat one cup water until warm, about 110-115 degrees. Mix it with potato flakes, sugar and yeast. It should start foaming a little within a few minutes. Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight.

DAY 2

The next morning, heat remaining 1 and 1/2 cups warm water to 110-115 degrees.

Mix water with oil and salt then stir into the yeast mixture.

Stir the flour into this mixture until smooth and well-combined. It is easiest with a stand mixer but you can use a wood spoon as well.

Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Stir or punch down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface.

Divide dough in half. Lightly knead each half 6 to 8 times then shape into loaves.

Place into the greased loaf pans.

Cover and let rise until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until 200-210 degrees.

Rotate loaves halfway through baking.

Cool in pans for 15 minutes then turn out onto a cooling rack.

Cool completely before slicing.