Down East White Bread

Step 1: Using a large bowl, mix the first three ingredients together and allow to set for 10 minutes; then add the remaining 3 cups water, oil, egg, sugar, and salt; mix well.

Step 2: Add 3 cups of the flour and mix well so the mixture will be smooth; then add 3 cups more of the flour, stirring again till smooth; keep on adding the flour till the dough is fairly stiff but not so stiff that it will be dry.

Step 3: Knead 100 times; put into a greased bowl and cover to let rise till double; punch down and rise again till double.

Step 4: Turn onto a lightly floured board, punch down, and let rest for 10 minutes; knead for about 3 minutes and divide dough in thirds.

Step 5: Make each third into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan; rise till almost double but don't over-rise.

Step 6: Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes; lower the heat to 325 degrees and bake for about 25 minutes longer; if they start getting too brown, put a piece of foil over the top of each one.

Step 7: Take out of pans and put on racks with a clean dish towel over the top to cool.