Cranberry, Pumpkin Seed & Honey No-Knead Bread

Serves 6

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups bread flour (you can use AP in a pinch, or half whole wheat and half bread flour) about 510g or 18oz

1/2 tsp or 1 packet of instant yeast

1/2 tsp salt

355 ml beer or water (warmed to 110 degrees - think bath water temperature)

1 generous tbsp raw honey

1/4 - 1/2 cup warm water (depending on flour type used)

1/3 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)

1/2 cup dried cranberries chopped

Directions:

1. Wisk together flour, salt, yeast, cranberries and pepitas in a large stainless or glass bowl

2. Add beer, mixed with honey, and water and stir to combine, dough will be very soft and sticky

3. Cover with foil tightly and let rest 12-18 hours at room temperature (I use the oven with the light on - especially in cooler weather)

4. After the resting period, turn the dough out on a generously floured work surface (on top of a sheet of parchment waorks too, still flour liberally)

5. Sprinkle flour on top of the dough and fold it in half, then form a ball - let rest another 30 minutes

6. While the dough is resting, preheat oven to 435 degrees. Place a covered 6 to 8 quart heavy duty covered pot (cast iron, enamel, ceramic) in the oven while it preheats. When dough is rested, remove the pot from the oven ** IT WILL BE SMOKING HOT!!**

7. Brush any excess flour off the loaf and parchment. Pick up parchment with the dough on it and place into the pot.  Score top of dough 3-4 times. Cover with the lid and bake 40-45  minutes

8. Remove lid and bake 5-10 minutes more, or until the loaf is golden brown to your liking

9. Take the Dutch oven out  and remove the loaf by lifting the edges of the parchment, remove parchment and let the loaf cool on a wire rack

Notes:

Add the honey to the beer when warming it so it fully incorporates

The white film on top of raw honey is a mixture of pollen, propolis, beeswax and beneficial enzymes, which are full of health benefits. It's a sign the honey has not been ultra filtered or heated when harvested. Use it in your bread if you've got it!!