Rustic Artisan Italian Bread: A Taste of Tradition for Home Cooks

Instructions:

1. Combine warm water and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. If desired, knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Gently deflate the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf.
6. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment or dusted with cornmeal. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) for about 30 minutes before baking.
8. Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score the top of the loaf with a few slashes to allow steam to escape.
9. Place the bread in the oven (in a preheated Dutch oven or directly on a baking stone). Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.