Adding baking soda or baking powder to s bread recipe will make the finished product denser:

ENGLISH MUFFIN BREAD

2 tsp active dry yeast
3 c bread flour
3 Tbsp nonfat dry milk powder
1/4 tsp baking powder or baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1 1/4 c warm water

Put all ingredients in machine in the order suggested by the machine's manufacturer and bake on the regular bread cycle. The bread will have a flat or slightly concave top and a denser texture. During the final rising, sprinkle a little yellow cornmeal on the top.

ENGLISH MUFFIN BY HAND

1 1/4 cups water
1 Tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour approx.
1 package yeast

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar and salt to lukewarm, until sugar and salt are dissolved. Set aside.

Combine 1 cup of the flour and the package of yeast. Add the liquid mixture and beat with a mixer until well blended, about 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour by hand, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Oil a bowl, deposit the dough, cover and set in a warm place to rise. Let rise until double in size, about 60 minutes. Punch down the dough, knead a few times, cover with the towel and let rest 10 minutes.

Oil a loaf pan and sprinkle some cornmeal in the bottom of the pan. Put dough in the pan [sprinkle cornmeal on top - optional] bake until golden, about 30 to 45 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool.

Serves: One 9-1/4 inch x 5-1/4 inch loaf