Sponge Method Bread- based on Verna Earl’s recipe

¾ cup honey or sugar

4 cups warm water

2 tsp yeast

About 18 cups flour (I usually use whole wheat in the first step and white in the second or all white)

2 cups scalded milk (I use powdered milk or cream)

½ cup butter

3 tsp salt

Dissolve honey in warm water. Add yeast and flour to make sponge. Cover and let rise for about 1 ½ hour. Scald milk with the butter.  When cooled add to sponge with the salt and remaining flour. Knead until smooth.  Let rise about 2 hours. Punch down and shape into loaves.  Makes 5 loaves.  Let rise about an hour.  Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes then reduce heat to 375 degrees and bake another 30 minutes. Butter tops while hot.

Times and flour amounts are estimates!