I got this recipe a few years ago from a woman in my local community. It is awesome! The crust is firm, but it seems to lock moisture into its core. It is wonderful with soups or just a weekend evening meal. I use a brown glass cookware set (might be old CorningWare set) to bake it in and so it comes out with a round loaf. I have always cooked this bread in glass cookware.
Easy Crusty Bread
1 5/8 cup warm water
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. yeast
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. yeast
Mix together and then add 3 cups flour
Mix until flour is incorporated and knead a few minutes. Cover the dough in the bowl with Saran Wrap. Let it rise for 12-24 hours. Then grease a bread loaf pan. Pre-heat your oven to 450 degrees and place your pan and cover inside your oven. You want to allow them get hot.
Dump bread dough in pan and put cover on. Bake for 20 minutes covered and 20-25 minutes uncovered.