Zitny Chleb (Rye Bread)

Directions

1. In the evening make a thin sponge using 1 1/2 cups water, fresh yeast or 2 pkgs of the dry yeast softened in 1/2 cup warm water, rye flour, white flour, and caraway seed.
2. Let rise overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours.
3. Then add brown sugar, lard, salt, 1 cup water, 2 cups rye flour and about 2 1/2 cups white flour.
4. Mix and knead well for 15 minutes or more.
5. Grease crock and let rise until double in bulk, punch down and let rise again, cut into 2 portions and form into loaves.
6. Let set 10 minutes and reform loaves slightly to give a smooth appearance.
7. Place in greased loaf pans with seams down.
8. Grease bread.
9. Let rise until doubled in bulk.
10. Then bake in 375f oven for 20 minutes and then reduce to 360f for 40 minutes or until done.