Bread

I've always steered clear of bread as I thought it would be too much effort but you know what, it's bloody easy and I'm annoyed I didn't try it sooner as people are thoroughly impressed and I live for praise.

Ingredients

• 500g 00 flour or strong bread flour
• 300ml warm water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 tsp dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Method

1. Pour the flour into a large bowl, stir through salt and make a well in the centre. In a small jug, combine water, yeast and sugar. Leave to sit for five minutes until foamy.
2. Pour yeast mixture into the well in the flour and mix with a fork, slowly incorporating the flour until it starts to form a dough. Using your hands, bring the dough together and transfer it to a bench to knead for ten minutes until smooth and elastic. It should feel warm and be emanating a yeasty smell.
3. Transfer dough back to the bowl and cover with a damp tea towel to rise for one hour.
4. When bread has risen, knock the air out of it with a few punches and light kneading for thirty seconds. Shape into desired shape and transfer to a lined baking tray. If you have a dutch oven or crock pot, you can cook it in that as well. Leave to prove for another half an hour or until doubled in size.
5. Pre-heat a fan forced oven to 220 degrees. Place the bread in the oven for half an hour before removing from the oven. Serve when slightly cooled or keep for up to two days. You can also pre-slice and freeze the bread....if it lasts that long before being eaten.