Wholemeal Spelt Loaf

1. Put the dried yeast, warm water, sugar and oil in a bowl and whisk together.

2. In a second bowl, combine the flour and salt.

3. Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and rub together with your fingers.

4. Knead for 5 minutes, then set aside in a bowl in a warm place (covered) until the dough has a roughly doubled in size (about 60 minutes).

5. Once the dough is ready, shape into a loaf, and place in the prepared baking pan. Leave to rise again until it has roughly doubled in size (about 40-50 minutes), covered loosely with a plastic bag.

6. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas mark 4. Just before baking, spray* the loaf with water to ensure a crisper crust.

7. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped.

*The dough is very delicate so do not attempt to brush it with water, it has to be sprayed.