Magic Bread

 People often ask if I consider myself more of a baker or a cook. I would say baker if it weren't for one scary obstacle: yeast. It's never worked out well between yeast and I. My first disaster was an attempt to make St. Lucia Buns from my American Girl Cookbook. They tasted like rocks with a coating of sugar on top. 

Years have gone by and it's never gotten any better. I either get the water way too hot and kill the yeast or it sits there mocking me if the water is too cold.

That is why when I saw this recipe and and the claims of easy delicious bread I cried out "liar!" But I have to tell you my dear friends, it did indeed work and it's stupid easy. So easy...it's like magic.

Combine:

3 cups of all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

1/2 teaspoon of yeast

1 1/2 cups of water ( room temperature)

 



 Combine all of the ingredients until they are well combined. No seriously. Just mix everything together.

If you wanted to add flavorings like rosemary and garlic, here would be the time.


Then, cover it and let it sit for 12 to 18 hours. Do not put it in the fridge. I left mine just out on a counter.

 Turn the oven to 450 degrees and put a heavy pot that can handle the heat in it. The original post put their dough in an enameled cast iron pot. I used an old metal one. You do not need to grease the pan.

The dough should have doubled in size. Pour it onto a heavily floured surface. Knead just a few times until it isn't as sticky. Make a smooth ball and place it in the pot. 

It should look somewhat like this.

Bake at 450 with a lit on for 30 minutes. Take the lid off and bake for 15 more minutes.




"Seriously, it worked?"


That's what I said. 

Cut this with a serrated knife and enjoy. Trust me, you will enjoy it. A lot.


After all, it's magic.




If you wish to see the original post visit:
http://simplysogood.blogspot.com/2010/03/crusty-bread.html