This is an incredible recipe as it does not need kneeding and is foolproof and I am not a bread maker – I have given the recipe for the Festive loaf however just remove the cranberries, orange & almonds and it makes a plain loaf. Wrap and take as a gift at this time of year and the recipient will be thrilled!

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

1 3/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon yeast

3/4 cup cranberries

zest from 1 orange

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1 1/2 cups water

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt and yeast.  Add cranberries, orange zest & almonds and mix. Add water and mix until a shaggy mixture forms.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for 12 – 18 hours.  Overnight works great.  Heat oven to 450 degrees.  When the oven has reached 450 degrees place a cast iron pot with a lid in the oven and heat the pot for 30 minutes.  Meanwhile, pour dough onto a heavily floured surface and shape into a ball.  Cover with plastic wrap and let set while the pot is heating.  Remove hot pot from the oven and drop in the dough.  Cover and return to oven for 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes.  Remove bread from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool.