No-Knead Bread

This basic recipe is not of my own making but found on-line. It is VERY easy and produces a nice artisian-like loaf with a crunchy crust. you have to try it just once.

Ingredients
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp yeast
1 1/2 cups water

In a medium sized bowl, mix together with a wooden spoon or paddle. Cover with plastic and let sit on counter 12-24 hours. I usually write the time on the top of my plastic so I remember what time to check it again. I let mine sit about 24 hours.

Turn dough out onto a well-floured piece of parchment paper, wax paper, or cotton towel (NO fuzzies!). Sprinkle with flour and fold 3 times. You're not kneading here. I usually fold it over with a sturdy plastic scraper.

Gather corners of paper or towel and place the whole package down inside the bowl you used to mix in. Cover and set aside for 1 1/2-2 hours. During the last half hour, prepare your baking dish and preheat oven.

You will need a covered dish in which to bake the bread. I use a glass casserole dish that has a clear glass lid. You can use a dutch oven or metal pot--anything that can withstand the oven temperature of 450 degrees. place baking dish in cold oven. Preheat oven to 450.. the bowl should be in the oven at least 20 minutes. Once oven and bowl are preheated, turn dough into dish and cover. Place in oven and cook for 30 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking for 15-20 minutes more.

Remove bread from oven and cool completely on rack before slicing. (If you're like my family and can't wait for the bread to cool, be sure to use a very sharp knife and a gentle sawing action to cut the bread. Otherwise, you will have smashed bread.)

This recipe is so easy and versatile. You can use bread flour, all-purpose flour, unbleached, wheat (though not all 3 cups), etc. There are also variations out there that incorporate dried fruit and nuts. The possibilities are limitless. I recommend you bake your first basic loaf and then search online for some wonderful variations!

Submitted by Michelle Bingham