I again got this recipe from my friend Jenny J. She makes homemade bread for her family a ton. Number one because they are picky eaters and she knows they will eat bread, and number two is because she is a rock star and cooks for her family every night. This recipe is so easy because there is no kneading involved. Because of that it's more of a bread to enjoy right when it comes out of the oven. I usually cut the leftovers up and freeze it in the freezer and use it for toast. The texture is chewy, with a crispy outside. The bread is super flavorful.
Artisan Bread (Fool Proof)
1 1/2 tbs yeast
2 tsp sugar
3 C warm/hot water
Combine these ingredients in a bowl, and let yeast activate.
6 1/2 C flour
1 1/2 Tbs kosher salt
Any other mix ins (dried herbs, garlic, etc)
Add these ingredients to the yeast mixture. Stir all together to combine and form a ball in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and let sit on the counter for 2-3 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place a glass loaf pan or 9x13 pan on the lower rack filled with 1-2 cups water. (This creates steam in the oven for optimal texture).
Pour dour out onto a well floured counter, form into 2 large rounds or 4 smaller rounds. Place on a jelly roll pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cut slits using a serrated knife on the top of bread for design. Let dough rise for another 20-30 min. Bake for 30 minutes in the oven. Remove to a cooling rack.
