Crusty Artisan Bread

1 Loaf

INGREDIENTS:

3 C. Flour
2 t. Kosher Salt
1/2 t. Active Dry Yeast
1-1/2 C. Water, luke warm

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DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt and yeast. Stir in water using a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a shaggy but cohesive dough. (The less you work the dough, the more soft, fluffy air pockets will form.

Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Let dough sit at room temperature for 8-24 hours. Dough will bubble up and rise.

When dough is ready, preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place Dutch oven, uncovered, into the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

While Dutch oven preheats, turn dough onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, form the dough into a ball. Cover dough loosely with plastic wrap and let rest.

After the Dutch oven has heated for 30 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven. With floured hands, place the bread dough into the Dutch oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered. Carefully remove cover and bake 7-15 minutes more, uncovered.

(Note: Uncovered baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on it, and remove from oven when crust is a golden brown.)

After you make this a few times, try adding in your favorite herbs to make it your own!