English Muffin Bread

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky, but that's okay - resist the urge to add more flour.

3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and sprinkle the bottom with cornmeal.

5. Stir the dough to deflate it slightly, then transfer it to the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top of the dough with wet hands to create an even surface.

6. Cover the pan with the kitchen towel again and let the dough rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until it just starts to crest over the edge of the pan.

7. Remove the towel and bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and immediately turn it out of the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Allow the bread to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy slices toasted with butter and jam, or use them to make your favorite sandwiches.