DIRECTIONS:

1. Add yeast to 1/2 cup of warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast has disolved and  there are bubbles starting to form on the surface.

2. Place flour, salt, yeast mixture and remaining water  in a mixer and mix with a dough hook for 10 minutes. The dough should slowly fall off the dough hook and be slightly damp. If the mixture is too dry add a little more water and mix for another 2 minutes. Repeat as necessary.

3. Loosely cover with plastic food wrap. Proof  dough in a warm place for 2 hours.

4. Place dough on a baking sheet and leave covered for another 1 hr until the dough has risen again.

5. Place in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes for crusty bread or 250 degrees for 90 minutes for soft crust.