From Nervous to Nourished

I’ll be honest, I was intimidated by baking, especially bread. Sourdough starters bubbling away on countertops made me feel like I wasn’t cut out for it. But then I found this four-ingredient bread recipe, and it gave me the confidence to try. And now I’m sharing it with you because it’s 99.9% foolproof and a beautiful way to feed your friends and family.

Here’s what you’ll need:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Fleischmann’s active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water

How to make it:
In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients first. Then stir in the warm water until just combined. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rest at room temperature for one hour.

You’ll know it’s ready when the dough has risen, tiny bubbles have formed, and it feels sticky to the touch, alive and full of promise.

When there’s about 30 minutes left, preheat your oven to 450°F. With 10 minutes to go, place your Dutch oven (or heavy pot with a lid) inside to get nice and hot.

Once your dough is ready, gently shape it into a round (or divide it into six large rolls) and place into the hot pot. I love to finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt right on top, it adds just the right touch of yum.

Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for another 10–15, until golden, crackly, and deeply satisfying.

✨ One last tip: let your bread rest before slicing in, if you cut it too soon, the inside can become gummy. Give it time to settle and steam, then slice and serve with butter, jam, or just as it is.

Whether you make one big loaf or six hearty rolls, this recipe is a little bit of comfort made by hand and meant to be shared.

Old school like me and love a printed recipe? I’ve got you covered.
You can print this 5×7 Maison des McAlarney-style recipe card—pretty enough to pin on the fridge, tuck into a recipe box, or share with a friend over coffee.