INGREDIENTS: (will make one loaf)
3 cups all purpose flour (you can use whole wheat, but you'll need to add a bit more yeast)
1 3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon yeast
1 1/2 cups water
1 dutch oven :)
In a large bowl, add flour, salt and yeast together, whisk. Add water. The dough will look like it is too wet...but it's not, believe me! :)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit for 12-18 hours. This time is necessary for the dough to proof and rise. The dough will be very sticky.
After 12-18 hours, preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Once it is preheated, place your dutch oven in and preheat the pot for 30 minutes.
While the dutch oven is preheating, place the dough on a HEAVILY floured surface and shape it into a round ball. Cover the dough ball with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes while the pan is heating.
Take the pot out of the oven and CAREFULLY (the pot is VERY hot!) drop the dough ball into the pot. Place the lid back onto the pot and put it in the oven for 30 minutes. Take the lid off and place back in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Wait until you see the result --
I cannot tell you how much we have enjoyed this bread. Give it a try!
OTHER OPTIONS:
- If you want to add herbs, put 1 tablespoon of dry herbs per loaf.
- Try herbs such as rosemary, basil, oregano or herbs de Provence.
- Cranberry, Orange
- Raisin, cinnamon, walnut
- Or any combination you can think of!!
- Double the recipe and split the dough into two loaves before baking.
ENJOY!!
