I feel like this bread recipe took the world by storm. It's been pinned a billion times (maybe a slight exaggeration), and I've heard lots of people talking about it. It seems like the kind of thing that wouldn't live up to your expectations...except it does!

This bread takes such minimal time and effort, and uses simple ingredients. It is a lovely crusty bread to serve with pasta, or to hollow out and serve with a great dip. One of the best parts of making this bread is seeing the look of excitement on someone's face when you arrive at their door with a warm loaf. Who doesn't love fresh bread?!

I bake my bread in a Kitchenaid cast enamel dutch oven (they go on sale at Canadian Tire fairly regularly). Before I had that dish, I used a casserole dish with a lid, and that worked fine too. As long as your dish has a lid and can stand the heat, you are good to go.

3 C all-purpose flour

1 3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dry active yeast

1 1/2 C water (warm, but not hot)

Combine flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Stir in water until it forms into a shaggy mess and you think to yourself: "Oh no, this can't be right". Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours. (I generally make this in the evening and then bake it the following afternoon) 

Preheat oven to 450`. Once heated, set your empty baking dish with lid in the oven. Allow the dish/lid to heat for 30 minutes. While dish is heating, dump your dough on to a well-floured cutting board and shape into a ball. (I find it easiest to do this by turning the outside edges under). After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and drop the dough into the center. Cover, and return to oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and cook for an additional 15 minutes. 

Mmmmm...I can almost smell it by just looking at the picture!