Margaret, it could be that now that summer is upon us, with its humid weather, it's more difficult to attain and keep a crisp crust. Try cooling the bread in your turned-off oven - when it's done, turn the oven off, crack the door open several inches, and let the bread cool on the oven rack. This usually works for me, though again, when the weather is humid, the crisp crust doesn't last long... PJH

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