Buttermilk Bread

Grease two 8 x 4-inch or 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.

Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.

In large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and yeast; blend well.

In small saucepan, heat buttermilk, water and 1/2 cup margarine until very warm (120° to 130°).

(Mixture will look curdled).

Add warm liquid to flour mixture.

Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed.

Stir in an additional 2 1/2 to 3 cups flour until dough pulls cleanly away from sides of bowl.

On floured surface, knead in 1/2 to 1 cup flour until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Place dough in greased bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap and cloth towel.

Let rise in warm place (80° to 85°) until light and doubled in size, 30 to 45 minutes.