I made the crusty bread, as promised →[More:]And it is delicious.
Someone on a foody blog said that there was no possible way it could be as good as no-knead dutch oven bread. Well, I don't know about all that. But I do know...delicious.
I had a few limitations, ie: making it in my tiny kitchen with my tiny tabletop oven. But it came out ok! The best part is, I made two mini loaves and am giving one to a friend who I'm hanging out with later.
It also makes a lot of bread - four regular loaves is the yield, which ended up being seven mini-loaves' worth. I baked two and froze the dough in individual portions, so I can have bread whenever, just have to thaw.
If you're scared of making bread, try this recipe, it's insanely easy. I ate a couple slices with some ripe tomato, fresh feta and a little olive oil, salt and pepper.