• In a large bowl mix together the water and starter, then add the flour and salt. Stir together with either your hands, a fork or a danish whisk until the dough comes together. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Move the dough to a lightly floured flat surface and knead 10 times, let the dough rest 3 minutes, then knead 10 times rest 3 minutes, knead again 10 times and a final 3 minute rest.
• Form the dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl turning the ball in the oil bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm draft free area for 4 hours. Be sure to stretch and fold the dough 2-3 times every hour.
• After the 4 hours shape the dough into desired form and place either in a proofing basket (seam side up), a regular bowl or a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, when not using a dutch oven, if you plan on baking the bread in a dutch oven, then place the formed dough seam side down in a bowl. Cover and let rest in a warm draft free area for 3-4 hours (check the dough after 2 hours) or until doubled in bulk.
• Pre-heat oven to 410F (210C). If baking without a dutch oven, then place an empty pan in the bottom of the oven while the oven is pre-heating. If baking with a dutch oven heat it in the oven while it is pre-heating.

TO BAKE THE BREAD

• If baking without a dutch oven then add 1-2 cups of boiling water to the pan before adding the bread.

  1. Gently turn the dough from the proofing basket or regular bowl onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, score and bake for 45-50 minutes. If already on the cookie sheet then score and bake.

  2. If you decide to use a dutch oven, then carefully remove the very hot dutch oven from the oven, gently move the dough to a sheet of parchment paper, score it and place in the dutch oven, cover and place in the oven, bake with the lid for approximately 35-40 minutes, remove the lid and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes.
• The bread is done when thumbed and you hear a hollow sound or when the internal temperature reaches 203F/95C. Move the baked bread to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!