1. Combine the flour and yeast. Add the water
and salt to the mixer, then add the flour and yeast.
Mix on low speed with the dough hook attachment
for 2 minutes and mix on medium speed
for 3 minutes. The dough should be smooth
and elastic. Mix to the improved stage of gluten
development.
2. Bulk ferment the dough until nearly doubled,
about 30 minutes. Fold gently. Ferment for
another 30 minutes and fold again. Ferment for
another 15 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into pieces 1 lb/450 g each,
or the desired size. Preshape the dough into large
rounds (for preshaping instructions, see page 111).
Let the dough rest, covered, until relaxed, 15 to 20
minutes. (Reminder: When making multiple loaves,
work sequentially, starting with the first piece of
dough you divided and rounded.)
4. To shape as a boule: Cup both hands around
the dough. Using your thumbs, push the dough
away from you in an arc to the right, keeping a
small piece of dough between the table and the
edges of your palms. Using the edges of your
palms as a guide, pull the dough toward you in an
arc to the left. There should still be a small piece of
dough that is squeezed between the table and the
edges of your palms. Repeat this circular motion
two or three more times, applying gentle pressure
while rounding the dough, to create a tight,
smooth outer skin. Place the boule seam side up in
a lightly floured round basket or seam side down
on a board dusted with cornmeal.
5. Proof until the dough springs back slowly to
the touch, 1 to 1½ hours. Flip the dough seam side
down onto a peel. Score the boule with an arc.
6. Presteam a 460°F/238°C deck oven. Load
the bread into the oven and steam for 3 seconds.
Bake until the crust is golden brown and the bread
sounds hollow when thumped on the bottom, 25
to 30 minutes. Vent during the final 10 minutes.
Cool completely on racks.