Rustic Whey Bread

Step 1

In a large heavy bowl, mix whey, yeast and starter. Let proof for 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add flour and salt, stir with a sturdy spoon until well mixed.

Step 3

knead the dough just until it forms a cohesive ball in the bowl, maybe 60 seconds.

Step 4

Cover loosely and let rise for 2 hours.

Step 5

With well dusted (in flour) hands, remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a smooth ball.

Step 6

Place dough on a flour dusted wood board or wicker rising bowl. Let rise 30 minutes.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 450, placing a dutch oven inside.

Step 8

Using gloves, remove hot Dutch oven and slide dough into it, slashing the top of the dough with a sharp knife.

Step 9

Cover the Dutch oven, and return to your 450 degree oven. Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 10

Remove lid from Dutch oven and bake an additional 12 minutes.

Step 11

Remove from oven, and place bread on a wire rack to cool.