Basic 7 Step Crusty Bread

Basic 7 Step Crusty Bread

Nothing tastes like homemade bread, but it can seem a bit scary, so many steps! Proof, mix, knead, rest, knead, rest, bake! It really IS that easy! And you can make HUNDREDS of variations off this ONE basic recipe!

Ingredients:
 
6 Cups Flour
1 packet active dry yeast
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp Sugar
3 Cups water (room temp to warm, but never cold or hot)

Directions:

• In a large bowl mix the dry yeast, sugar and 1/4 cup of the water and allow it to sit 15-20 minutes to proof (wake the yeast up)

• Then add in the remaining water and the flour and mix well – it will be sticky but should form into a ball.  Cover and allow it to sit 5 minutes.

• Dump dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes. (gently push it down, fold it in on its self and knead again, and again and again – this helps build that wonderful crusty outside by building up the gluten)

• Roll the dough up into a ball, folding the sides under then place it in a lightly greased bowl, smooth side up.  Cover with a cloth and allow to rise approximately 1 hour, dough should double in size.

• Punch down the dough, and shape it into the kind of loaf you want (oval, round, square lol) and place it on a cooking sheet that has been lightly dusted with cornmeal or you can use parchment paper.  Cover and allow it to rise again, approximately 1 hour.

• Score the top of your bread (crisscross, lines, whatever) to allow for expansion while baking

• Preheat oven to 400°F, bake for 30-40 minutes until nicely golden brown