Gluten Free Rosemary Bread

Instructions

• Prepare a 6-inch cast iron skillet (if you don't have cast iron, use a 6-inch round oven safe dutch oven or bowl). Using ½ tsp olive oil and a paper towel, lightly coat the entire inside of the dish to help prevent sticking.
• In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110° F), sugar and yeast. Gently stir and set aside for 5-10 minutes. The yeast should start to bubble and foam at the top.
• In a stand mixer, combine gluten free flour, guar gum, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and chopped rosemary until mixed (about 30 seconds).
• Once the yeast has become bubbly and foamy, pour into the flour mixture. Add 2 tbso olive oil. Mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides if needed. The dough will be sticky.
• Transfer the dough to your prepared cast iron skillet. Using a spatula (get it wet to help prevent sticking), gently mound the dough into a ball, smoothing out the dough as you go. The ball should be about 4 inches in diameter.
• Using the remaining 1 tsp olive oil, gently rub it over the dough (this prevents the dough from drying out as it will not be covered during proofing. It also helps the bread develop a crispy crust.) Place the pan in a warm spot and allow the dough to double in size. This can take anywhere from 35-45 minutes, depending on the temperature. Toward the end of the dough proof, preheat your oven to 425° F (removing the pan from the oven if necessary).
• Sprinkle remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt on the dough. If desired, make two slashes with a sharp knife on the top (purely decorative), but be careful not to slash too deep. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the outside crust is lightly browned.
• Serve warm.