Portia's Sour Dough Bread

1/3 c. sugar

5 c. bread flour

1 c. starter

1 t. salt

1/2 c. oil

1 1/2 c. warm water

In a large bowl, make a stiff batter with all ingredients. You may add more flour as you want the dough to be stiff, but not tacky. Grease a large bowl with spray or oil. Place the dough in the bowl and spray lightly with cooking spray. Cover with wax paper. Let stand for several hours. Do not refrigerate. After several hours, the dough will rise. (This could take several hours or just a few, depending on heat and humidity.) When the dough has risen to the top of the bowl,it is ready. Punch it down and knead it a little. Divide the dough in 3 parts and knead each part (about 30 times or more each). You may need to add more flour. The dough shouldn't stick to your hands or the floured surface. Place the dough in3 sprayed loaf pans and cover with wax paper. Allow to rise for several hours. Do not let it rise too high or bread will become top heavy and fall after it bakes. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven, take out of pans, and cool. Wrap bread well and store. This bread freezes nicely.