Olive Bread

I got this recipe a few years ago from a PBS cooking show.

This makes two large loaves.  I bake it on two bake stones. 

Use any kind of olives you like.  I usually use a combination of kalamata olives and green Sicilian olives.

                                                 OLIVE BREAD

3 cups warm water

2 packages yeast

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp salt

6 - 8 cups flour

2 cups chopped Sicilian olives 

Place water and yeast in a mixing bowl and stir to mix.  Let stand for about 10 minutes, or until creamy and foamy.  Add olive oil and salt and mix.  Add flour about 1 cup at a time, until you get a shaggy dough.  Add olives  and mix just until olives are blended into the dough.  Knead.  Place dough in a well greased bowl and allow to rise until doubled about 1 hour.

Deflate the dough, split it into 2 pieces, and form into 2 round loaves.

Preheat oven to 400.  Let loaves rise for 20 to 25 minutes, then place on a  preheated bake stones and bake for about 45 minutes.  Allow to cool before slicing.