“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)

From the very beginning, God has shown that food is more than fuel — it’s a gift meant to nourish our bodies, bring people together, and remind us of His daily provision. Whether breaking bread around the table with family or sharing a simple meal with friends, we experience fellowship, gratitude, and joy. As we cook, taste, and enjoy, we’re invited to remember the One who faithfully provides every good thing and who satisfies our souls far beyond the kitchen.

My Easy, Artisan bread (with Apple Cider Vinegar)

Prep Time:  10 minutes + 14 hr. rest 
Cook Time: 38 – 45 minutes
Serves: 4 – 6 people

This bread is so simple and easy to make and uses apple cider vinegar as a secret ingredient – the vinegar makes the dough easier to handle, allows for a better rise, strengthens the gluten structure, enhances the flavor (gives a sourdough type feel), makes for a great soft, open and airy crumb as well as acts as a natural preservative – extending shelf life for 2 extra days. All this and it’s so easy to make!!

Ingredients:
• 400 grams (14 oz) of any high protein white flour (13.3% protein)
• 255 grams (9 oz) of room temp water 
• 20 grams (0.7 oz) Apple Cider Vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 TSP salt (8 grams)
• 1 TSP (3 grams) Diastatic Malt Powder (optional, but highly preferred for best results)
• 1/8 TSP (.05 gram) instant dry yeast

Process:
• Put all dry ingredients in a bowl or a container and mix.
• Add the water and vinegar and mix/squeeze until all ingredients are incorporated and form a smooth dough (about 2 – 3 minutes)
• Cover with plastic and let stand for 12 hrs. at room temperature
• Remove the dough from the bowl to a lightly floured surface and give it 4 folds. (i.e. grab one end of the dough, lift, and fold it towards the middle. Do the same to the other end, and then do the same for each side, lift and fold over to the middle)
• Shape the dough into a round – with your hands, cup the dough from behind and pull it towards you, dragging it along a dry surface – it will begin to tighten.  Turn a quarter turn and repeat this process. Do this 3 – 4 times until you have a medium-tight dough ball
• Generously sprinkle flour to the entire inside of a bread banneton (preferably whole wheat, but if using white flour, be even more generous, to avoid sticking) and place the dough in the banneton. Sprinkle a bit of flour on top of the dough. (if you do not have a banneton, you can use a bowl)
• Cover with a kitchen towel and let stand for 2 hrs.
• After 1 ½ hrs., have passed, put a Dutch oven with lid, into the oven and preheat at 475 deg. (if you do not have a Dutch oven, any large enough oven container with a lid will do just fine)
• After the 30 minutes of preheat, you can now carefully place put dough into Dutch oven, and then scar the top with a bread lame (or cut a slit about ¼ inch deep using scissors), then bake with lid on for 30 mins.
• Then remove the lid and bake for 8 – 15 mins more, depending on your preferred level of doneness (also, time may vary depending on your stove/oven) (suggest to start checking the bread at 8 minutes – once you find the perfect amount of time, make a note of it, and that will be your guide for future bakes)
• Remove from oven and let cool for 1 hour (30 minutes minimum) on a cooling rack (preferred), or on a wooden cutting board.
• Enjoy

Thank you for joining us in this baking journey! As you enjoy your homemade Artisan bread, may it remind you of the blessings in your life. Come back again for more delightful recipes and subscribe to receive Scriptural Seeds devotions that nourish your spirit. Happy baking!