I made this for my mother as a Christmas gift. This makes a 2 pound loaf:

Combine water, sugar and yeast. When the yeast has proofed, add remaining ingredients.

Add enough white flour (about 4 cups) to make a barely sticky dough. Knead until elastic. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk. Punch down and shape the loaf and let rise again.

I bake this in a clay cloche because it makes a wonderful crust. To do this, shape the loaf in the cloche bottom and let rise the 2nd time. Preheat the cover for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Put the cover on the bottom and bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes more.

If you don't have a cloche, just bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.