French Bread, Sponge Method Dough - cooking recipe

Ingredients
    Sponge
    1 teaspoon yeast or 1/4-1/2 cup sourdough starter
    1 cup water
    1 cup flour
    Finish
    1 teaspoon salt (don't add yet, but be sure not to forget it!)
    flour, enough to make a workable dough
Preparation
    Mix yeast or sourdough starter with water and 1 cup flour.
    Cover and let rise overnight.
    Add salt and enough flour to make a workable dough (I usually use 30-40% whole wheat flour for a more nutritious final product).
    Knead, shape, and let rise until almost double.
    Bake in a 450 degree F oven for ~20 minutes.
    To acheive a better crust, preheat a shallow pan on bottom rack, and pour in 2 cups of water when you begin baking bread. This is one of the secrets to the desired crust on a French or Artisan bread.
    Enjoy!

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