Sweet Basil Boule

Sweet basil is one of my favorite herbs...shredded on top of a pizza, wrapped around a fresh slice of tomato, muddled into a delicious basil mojito...or chopped up and baked into this exquisite homemade bread...it truly is a taste of summer in which I regularly indulge. Happy Baking!Ingredients:3 cups organic unbleached bread flour3/4 teaspoon yeast + 1/4 cup filtered water2 teaspoons rose salt1 1/4 cup filtered water1 tablespoon organic sugar3 tablespoons fresh, organic sweet basil, choppedDirections:Place yeast in a bowl with 1/4 cup filtered water. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes.Meanwhile, place flour and salt in a large bowl. Stir. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Mix. Begin to slowly add the water until combined. Fold in the sugar and fresh basil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for about 8 hours (this will vary depending on the temperature in your kitchen so keep an eye on the dough and make sure it continues to slowly rise...it should at least double in size)Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place a 5.5 quart enameled cast iron french oven in the stove with the lid on for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, place the dough on a heavily floured surface (the dough is super sticky so be sure to also flour your hands before handling) and form into a ball. Cover and let rest while the french oven is preheating. Then, place the dough in the french oven and cover with the lid. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly. Store in a paper bag or wrap in parchment paper.Serve right out of the oven with burrata or fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil...enjoy!Photos + Recipe + Styling by Cassie Winslow