How was everyones weekend? Were you lazy like or did you tackle many things? I like lazy-like from time to time and this weekend was a nice easy one, in part due to the snow. We venture out in town much less when we get big snows. As of the the time I am writing this post, it has started snowing again!
I did manage to bake more breads this weekend. Oh how I love fresh bread! I am sorry I’ve been on a bread kick for a while now. It is just so amazing, so many different kinds and most of the time, easy to make! Have no fear, I will be baking up some sweet treats in the very near future. On Friday’s I will now be doing the “Aloha Friday” meme and all my questions will have something to do with baking, so I hope you will join in and share!
I have a huge love for a crusty bread, wether it be a French or Italian loaf. Over the years I’ve been making a pretty involved French loaf that is pretty crunchy when first out of the oven but softens pretty soon after. So I’ve been on the hunt for a new favorite crusty bread. I believe I have now found one! It is Italian and SUPER crusty. It has a beautiful, chewy center. Perfect for some butter or whatever makes your mouth sing.
This dough is all made in your bread machine. I know, I have been on a bread machine kick too. As much as I love all the processes of doing everything by hand, sometimes it is nice to find a wonderful recipe that you can make when you are super busy and don’t have the time or energy to put into but want something amazing!
- 2 cups Warm Water
- 4 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Yeast
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl; add water. Mix until all the flour is incorporated and has formed dough.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise 4 hours.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- On a well floured surface, pour dough out the dough, handling the dough as little as possible. You don't want to burst the bubbles.
- Shape your dough into your desired shape, place on prepared baking sheet.
- Preheat oven to 500 degrees and place a oven-proof dish with 3 cups of water in it on the bottom rack.
- Bake for 35-60 minutes, depending on how dark you like your bread.
