Garlic Rosemary Bread in a Dutch Oven

My first midterm of the quarter, I decided to bake for most of the weekend.. as usual. Something about learning about oral pathology always brings out my cooking side. Never fail, I swear. ... well I don't know maybe I didn't do so hot on the test, but there will always be the final... :) I made this bread using my KA mixer. The dough was nice and firm, very easy to shape. I used my super versatile Le Creuset 4.5 quart oval dutch oven for the baking process. I call this the 1, 2 bread.... it's easier than you think! I took a few recipes and changed it to my liking. Most recipes were missing sugars and salts, which I feel is very critical for a "quick" bread. The result is a very soft interior with a super crispy crust, nothing like the no knead bread, at least I won't be breaking teeth eating it. This bread didn't dry out as quickly as the no knead breads, served well with butter :)

My rosemary bonsai in front of my beautiful view!

Rising nicely :) 

Pretty quick "crusty" bread

Garlic Rosemary Bread 

Adapted from : http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/05/the-bread-in-his-words/

1 tsp active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp coarse sea salt

2 tbsp butter, melted

2 tbsp canola oil 

2 cups bread flour 

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 sprigs of rosemary , leaves picked, and finely chopped 

Sprinkling of Italian Seasoning

Sea Salt

Ground black pepper 

Olive oil

Medium sized dutch oven with tight fitting lid ( at least 3 quarts)

Water Spritzer 

1. In a stand mixer, gently mix together warm water with yeast until dissolved. Add the rest of the ingredients, lightly stir together so that it's somewhat combined, turn on mixer with dough hook attachment, mix until a ball is formed and the dough is smooth. Around 10 minutes on speed 2. 

2. Place dough in an oiled bowl for an hour or until doubled in size. 

3. Preheat oven at 450 degrees

4. Using a dutch oven, place dough into pot, slash with a sharp knife, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle on salt, seasonings, and pepper, cover and let rise in a warm place... around 30 minutes

5. Uncover and spritz with water, close lid and place into preheated oven. Bake, covered for 30 minutes, Uncover, bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees or until top is nicely brown.