Sourdough Bread

1 pkg dry yeast
1 cup starter
1 1/2 cup warm water
2 tsp sugar
1/2 cup shortening, melted
1 1/2 tsp salt
5 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda

In a large bowl, soften yeast in warm water, blend in starter batter, sugar, shortening and salt. Add 3 1/2 cups of flour. Beat by hand or with mixer 5 minutes. Cover and let rise until double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours. Mix soda with 1/2 cup remaining flour. Stir into dough. Add enough additional flour to make a stiff dough. Turn on lightly floured board and knead 8 to 10 minutes.

Shape into 2 small loaves (round). Place on a greased cookie sheet. With a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts across top of loaf. Let rise until double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours. Bake at 400 for 35 to 40 minutes. Can brush with melted butter.