Cottage Loaf

This has got to be my most recent recipe obsession! This recipe makes one large loaf of delicious, dense bread. This bread is perfect to eat warm with butter, with a bowl of soup, or even for a sandwich.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water

2 teaspoons dry yeast

1 1/2 tablespoon sugar

1/2 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon softened butter

3 cups flour (extra 1/4 cup if necessary)

step one

In a large metal bowl, dissolve yeast in water

Once dissolved, mix in all ingredients, gradually adding flour

Lightly knead for 3 or so minutes

step two

Cover bowl with a cloth and let rise for 40 - 45 minutes

step three

Once dough has doubled in size, kneed for approximately 5 minutes

Line dutch oven with parchment paper and transfer dough

Cover and let rise for 30 minutes

step four

Top dough with olive oil and sea salt

Pre-heat oven to 375* F

step five

Cook at 375* F for 40 - 50 minutes

or until crust is golden brown

step six

Serve and enjoy!