Step 1

In a small bowl, add water and stir yeast packet in (make sure water is warm, but not too hot - if it is too cold or too hot it will not bloom properly).

Step 2

Let yeast bloom for about 5 minutes - it will have a light foam on it. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt with a spoon.Make a small well in the middle of the dry ingredients, and when yeast is proofed, slowly pour into flour.

Step 3

Mix by hand (either with your hands, or a spoon). The dough will turn begin to come together and pull away from the bowl.

Step 4

If the dough is too sticky, add more flour in small increments, about 1 tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too dry, add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time. (Be sure to reference high altitude directions for water above if you live over 4,000 feet.) Once the dough has come together, cover it and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 1.5 to 2 hours).

Step 5

Uncover the dough and give it a few pokes with your finger. If the dough has risen correctly, it should indent under the pressure of your fingers and slowly deflate.Add roasted garlic to dough, mix well.

Step 6

Gently scoop up the dough and make sure to remove it from the sides of the bowl (you want it to fully rise again, if it is still stuck to the sides of the bowl in parts, it won't). Place back in bowl, cover, and allow the dough to continue to rise for another 1.5-2 hours.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 450 degrees (230 degrees C, gas mark and add skillet to it, (you want it to be incredibly hot). Punch down dough. Generously flour a sheet of parchment paper; transfer dough to parchment and, with floured hands, shape into a ball.

Step 8

Place dough on parchment paper and sprinkle top lightly with flour. Top with any extra herbs or a sprinkle of celtic sea salt. Top with a sheet of plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes. Remove skillet from oven.

Step 9

Uncover dough and carefully transfer to skillet, with or without parchment paper beneath (if bottom of skillet is not coated with enamel, keep parchment paper beneath dough- I always use parchment paper because it is just the easiest and I never have to worry about anything sticking).

Step 10

Bake bread 45 minutes covered, then another 10 to 15 minutes uncovered until dough is baked through and golden brown on top. Cool slightly before slicing.