Wild Sage Bread

1 envelope dry yeast
1 cup cottage cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon melted shortening
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons crushed dried sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Combine sugar, sage, salt, baking soda and flour.

Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water.

Beat egg and cottage cheese together until smooth. Add melted shortening and yeast.

Add flour mixture slowly to egg mixture, beating well after each addition until a stiff dough is formed.

Cover dough with cloth and put in warm place until double in bulk (about 1 hour). Punch dough down, knead for one minute and place in well-greased pan. Cover and let rise for 40 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes. Brush top with melted shortening and sprinkle with crushed, roasted pine nuts or coarse salt.