Cooking with Essential Oils

Rustic Rosemary Crusty Bread

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25-30 minutes

Rise Time 2-5 hours

Makes 2-4 Loaves

Ingredients

3 cups Warm Water (about 100 degrees)

1 ½ Tablespoons Instant Yeast

1 Teaspoon Sugar

1 Tablespoon Salt

6 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour

1 Tablespoon Dried Rosemary, Chopped

3 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine warm water, yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until a little foamy. Then stir in salt. Begin mixing in flour. Mix until it is combined. Dough will be loose. Cover with a kitchen towel. Do not seal. Let the dough rise at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Up to 5 hours.
2. Cut dough in half with a serrated knife. Turn the dough in your floured hands to lightly stretch the surface, creating a rounded top and a lumpy bottom. Place on parchment paper. Place on an upside down baking sheet. Make slashes in the top of the dough with a sharp knife. 
3. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile pre heat the oven to 450 degrees. Place baking stone on the middle rack to preheat. Heat the stone for 20 minutes.
5. When preheated slide the parchment paper onto the stone. Pour 1 cup hot water into a broiler pan and place on bottom rack of the oven.  Close oven door quickly and back for 27-29 minutes.
6. Let it cool a bit and enjoy!