and place the dough in the bottom. cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise until it is doubled in size. this is really important. if you don't let it rise long enough, your loaf will be dense and won't rise well the second time.
once the dough is doubled, shape the dough into a loaf, and place it in a greased bread pan. cover again with a damp towel (you may want to sprinkle the top of the loaf with a little flour to prevent sticking) and let it rise for about an hour to an hour and a half, or until the dough is starting 