Crock Pot Crusty White Loaf

INGREDIENTS

• 210g Plain Flour, plus extra for dusting
• 200g Strong White Flour
• 9g Salt
• 7g Fast Action Yeast
• 1 Tsp Caster Sugar
• 355ml Room Temperature Water

To Serve:

• Butter
• Jam
• Marmalade

METHOD

1. Whisk the flours, salt, yeast and sugar together in a large bowl.
2. Slowly add the water and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. Mix just enough to avoid dry patches of flour.
3. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or cling film and leave for 3 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 220°C / 200°C fan / 425°F / Gas Mark 7. Place a cast iron pot or Dutch oven with a lid inside to heat thoroughly.
5. Scrape the dough onto a floured surface, gently shape into a ball, and place onto a piece of baking paper. Score the top if desired.
6. Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Using the baking paper, lift the dough ball into the pot, cover with the lid and return to the oven.
7. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove the bread from the pot and bake directly on the oven rack for 10–15 minutes to brown the crust.
8. Cool to room temperature before slicing. Serve with butter, jam or marmalade.