Favorite Buttermilk Bread

6 tsp. active dry yeast
3/4 c. warm water (110-115*)
3 c. warm 1% buttermilk (110-115*)
3/4 c. butter, melted & cooled
1/4 c. honey
1 T salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. toasted wheat germ
9-10 c. all-purpose flour

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the buttermilk, butter, honey, salt, baking soda, wheat germ and 4 c. flour; mix well. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Turn onto a heavily flour surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 min. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; divide into thirds. Divide each portion into thirds; shape each into a 12" rope. Braid three ropes; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Place in a greased loaf pan. Repeat with remaining dough.

Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 min. Bake at 350* for 40-45 minutes or until gold brown. Remove from pans to wire racks.

YIELD: 3 loaves with 12 slices each.
1 slice = 3 WW points