Olive Bread

Ingredients:

• 7 gms fast acting dried yeast (e.g. Hovis)
• 1½ lbs (700 gms) strong plain bread flour
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ pt (15 fl oz) blood temperature water
• Topping suggestions
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano or 2 teaspoon fresh (chopped)
• 6 green and 6 black olives (sliced)
• rosemary sprigs
• 1 generous tsp sea-salt
• 2 cloves garlic (finely sliced)
• olive oil

Preparation Time:

60 min

Cooking Time:

20 min

Method:

1. Place the flour in a bowl and add the yeast, salt and olive oil.

2. Add the warm water and mix to form a soft dough. Add a little extra flour if the dough seems to be very sticky, or a few drops of water if too dry (This depends on how accurately you measure the water). Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic (this could be done in a mixer for 4 minutes using a dough hook).

3. Place onto a floured worktop and massage the surface of the bread with a tbsp of olive oil, using the tips of your fingers. Cut the dough in half and roll out and form a round or oval shape (approx 7 x 9 inches/18 x 23 cm).
Alternatively leave the dough flat. Lightly score the surface with a sharp knife and sprinkle with the toppings of your choice.

4. Place onto a floured baking sheet, cover with cling film, and put into a warm place for about one hour, or until the bread is well risen and almost doubled in size. This will depend on room temperature.

5. Place in a pre-heated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden.
Remove from the oven and place on a rack to cool. Slice as you prefer and serve as the perfect accompaniment to soups or casseroles.

Tip
* Wrap and freeze any cooked left over bread. Re-heat in a hot oven.
* Don't be afraid to add mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, different herbs or anchovies to the bread - in fact, let your imagination run wild and create your own special breads!
* Serving suggestion

Serve the bread with a plate of olive oil, a few drops of balsamic vinegar, olives and cherry tomatoes as an appetizer with drinks.