Christmas Baking

I have been wanting a cast iron dutch oven.  I keep reading recipes that you need a dutch oven to make, but alas no dutch oven.  However, Christmas is a great time for wishes to be fulfilled and I am now the proud owner of a red, enamel covered, cast iron dutch oven.

When I got my dutch oven, I knew the first thing I wanted to try making was this.  My sister-in-law Alissa is an amazing cook and she made this delicious bread for her daughter Ella's birthday.  I've been dreaming of making this bread since we had it.  Hard crusty crust, but soft and airy inside.  I've never been able to pull off bread like that.  So, I gave Alissa's recipe a try.  It turned out better than I thought it would for a first try, but it wasn't anything compared to Alissa's.  Now that I've tried it once I think it will turn out better next time.  Thanks for the delicious recipe Alissa!