Crusty Bread

 

 

A few times this past month including today, I have been making this lovely bread.  I have always liked bread with a crusty outside and soft inside, but had never thought to try making it myself.  But after seeing this super simple recipe, it has become a new favorite!

 

 

It comes out so lovely, making it look like you're a master baker, while it is really easy.  And it's also pretty healthy - with no sweetner, not even honey.

 

 

Simply So Good: Crusty Bread

Original Site

 

 

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon Instant or Rapid-rise yeast

1 1/2 cups water

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt and yeast.  Add water and mix until a shaggy mixture forms.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for 12 - 18 hours.  Overnight works great.  Heat oven to 450 degrees.  When the oven has reached 450 degrees place a cast iron pot with a lid in the oven and heat the pot for 30 minutes.  Meanwhile, pour dough onto a heavily floured surface and shape into a ball.  Cover with plastic wrap and let set while the pot is heating.  Remove hot pot from the oven and drop in the dough.  Cover and return to oven for 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes.  Remove bread from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool.   (Note: they say you do not need a cast iron pot, just something with a lid that can take the heat)