In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sourdough starter, sugar, salt, yeast, and oil. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and salt.

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until the dough comes together and is sticky but workable.

Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly flour a work surface and gently loosen the dough from the bowl, preserving the air inside as much as possible. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper.

If it deflates, simply let it rise again until puffy.

Prepare your edible “paint”:

Mix each gel color with a small drop of white coloring to soften and brighten.

To create shadows or grey, mix tiny amounts of red, green, and yellow together.

Using a small food-safe brush, paint your poinsettia design right on the dough.

Tip: Practice your design on paper first using watercolors.

Score your loaf if desired (this can help shape petals and leaf outlines).

Place your Dutch oven into the preheated oven for 5 minutes to warm, then carefully place the parchment and bread into the Dutch oven.

Bake 30 minutes covered, then remove the lid and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden.

Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your beautiful homemade bread!