Crusty Italian Bread

The simplicity of this bread is what makes it so delicious!   This loaf weighs a little over one pound.  The secret to its texture  is very little handling of the dough and extended proofing time.   This allows the yeast and gluten to embark on a beautiful dance that results in a nutty, chewy-outside/fluffy-inside ball of deliciousness.   It is baked in a very hot oven, in a cast iron skillet, with the perfect amount of steam.  

Ingredients:  flour, yeast, salt, sugar, water