Country Bread

3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 cup active sourdough culture
2 tsp. sea salt

•Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl to form a firm ball. Knead for 5 minutes. Cover and let rise for at least 5 hours at room temperature.
•Remove the dough from the bowl, punch down, knead for 5 minutes, and form a round loaf without slashing the top. Return to the bowl, cover, and let rise for at least 3 more hours.
•Transfer it gently from the bowl to a baking stone and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 45 minutes, turning the loaf once halfway through baking.
•Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving.
Makes 1 loaf