How to shape bread dough into a round

500g for large round bread

Allow to rest 15 minutes before shaping

Flatten dough

Fold in half, secure with heel of hand

Turn around

Fold in half again

Flip around so seam is as pictured below

Fold in half again

Turn around and fold in half again as before.

Flip over so seam side is down

 Using two hand, firmly twist and turn the dough until it forms a ball (this is difficult to explain)

Allow to prove covered with a plastic sheet (ripped plastic bag) or layer of cling

When ready, slash with a sharp blade and dust with flour.

Place in a hot oven (200C) in which you have placed a heat proof container of water to create a little steam (steam gives a crusty finish but this is difficult to replicate in a domestic oven)

Remove from oven after about 45minutes  and leave cool on a rack.