• Get warm water that is 100 to 110 degrees F.
• Pour the water into the mixing bowl and add the yeast Let the yeast and water sit for 3 to 4 minutes. The yeast will turn into foam.
• Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
• Use a wood spoon to mix all the ingredients together.
• Optional - use a spatula to scrape any dough stuck to the spoon back into the bowl.
• Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a large plastic bag. Let the dough raise for 1 hour. The dough should double in size. Note - do not exceed 90 minutes.
• Place a large piece of parchment paper on the work surface. Sprinkle some flour on the bottom portion of the parchment paper (closest to you).
• Gently dump the dough out of the bowl onto the flour. Scrape out any dough stuck to the bowl.
• Use a spatula to form a loaf or circle by lifting the edges and folding the dough onto the top.
• Gently grab the edge of the parchment paper closest to you and slowly flip the dough onto the center of the parchment paper.
• Use a sharp knife, razor, or even kitchen scissors to make several cuts along the top approximately 1/2 inch deep.

There are 2 options for baking this bread: a smaller Dutch oven or a baking sheet:

Dutch Oven:

• Half way through the bread rising, place the Dutch oven (with the lid) in the oven and preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. You want the Dutch oven to be heated to 450 degrees before you place the bread in it.
• After you have shaped your loaf of bread, open the oven door and take the lid off the Dutch oven. PLEASE remember to use an oven mitt or hot pad.
• Grab the corners of the parchment paper then place the parchment paper and bread dough into the Dutch oven. Place the lid back on and close the oven door.
• Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on - this will help trap the moisture in the bread.
• Then take the lid off (again use an oven mitt!) and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the crust to crisp up so you get a nice chewy crust.
• Take the bread out of the oven when the crust is getting crisp and golden brown. Also, there should be a hollow sound when you tap it with your knuckle.
• Place the bread on a cutting board or wire rack to cool. Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before slicing then ENJOY!

Baking Sheet:

• While the bread is rising, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the baking sheet in the oven for several minutes to heat it up. Also place a small oven safe pan on the bottom shelf of the oven.
• Grab the corners of the parchment paper or silicone baking mat with the bread dough and place it on the baking sheet.
• Pour 1 to 2 cups of cold water into the pan on the bottom shelf and close the door as fast as you can to trap the steam in the oven. CAUTION: pouring cold water into a hot pan will create steam immediately, keep your face and any other body parts away to prevent getting burnt.
• Bake for 30 minutes.
• Take the bread out of the oven when the crust is getting crisp and golden brown. Also, there should be a hollow sound when you tap it with your knuckle.
• Place the bread on a cutting board or wire rack to cool. Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before slicing then ENJOY!