Rustic Bread

Photo: flickr user jytyl

Preparation

Follow flour and water quantities recommended for bread. Add 2-3 cups of starter, activated yeast and some olive oil. Mix and let rise for 2 hours in greased bowl.

When the volume has doubled, knead on floured board until soft and moist.

Let is rise some more, covered with plastic. Dough temperature should reach 75 to 78 F. It is ready when a hole punched with one finger stays without springing back.

Form a well rounded ball. Sprinkle waxed paper with some flour and fine cornmeal. Flatten the ball and place it on top of waxed paper. Indent the top with fingers.

Preheat oven at 500 F for 10 minutes. It is best to use a ceramic cooking board. Spray some water in the oven and place bread immediately in it.

Spray water every 10 minutes.

Turn bread loaf on the other side after 15 minutes. Remove waxed paper.

Bread should be ready in 40 minutes (total baking time). The loaf is ready when sound is hollow.