Hard-dough Bread

Ingredients

Sponge

• 1½ cups cold water
• 1 oz yeast
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• pinch salt
• 1 lb all-purpose flour

Dough

• 1½ cups cold water
• 1 oz powdered milk
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 oz soft margarine
• 1 lb all-purpose flour

Directions

Sponge

1. Pour 1¼ cups of cold water into a bowl.
2. Dissolve the yeast in the remaining ¼ cup water, then add to bowl.
3. Stir in the sugar and salt.
4. Gradually add the flour.
5. Cover and let it stand overnight before adding to dough.

Dough

1. Add the milk, sugar, salt and margarine to the water in a bowl.
2. Gradually add flour, mixing all the time.
3. Tear the sponge into small pieces and add to the dough mixture.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
5. Shape as desired and let rise 30 to 40 minutes.
6. Bake in an oven preheated to 375 °F until the loaves sound hollow when tapped.