Step 1

- Mix yeast ingredients together and set aside for 10 min so that yeast activates. Start by using only 1/2 cup warm water, save the 1/4 for later if needed.

Step 2

- In a mixing bowl, mix together the rough ingredients

Step 3

- Slowly incorporate the yeast mix. Adjust flour and water amounts as you see fit. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 4

- Kneading for 5-10 min

Step 5

- Add raisins and walnuts

Step 6

- Cover and let it rest / rise for about 2 hours

Step 7

- Once the dough doubles in size, pre-heat the oven to 350F.

Step 8

- Place on a baking / parchment sheet t in a cast iron pot (if you don't have a cast iron pot, any oven safe dish will do the job) and cover -- note that you can shape the top of the loaf as you want

Step 9

- Once oven is heated, place the pot covered and bake for 1hr

Step 10

- After 1 hour, take pot out and uncover. Prepare another oven safe dish and fill it up with water then place in oven, put the bread pot back in, uncovered for 20-30 min, until the bread outside is crispy.

Step 11

Note: The dish filled with water will create steam in the oven and help the bread cook without drying out and sticking to the pot