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Olive Bread
1 tbsp Active dry yeast
12 oz Black olives
3/4 cup Warm water
3 1/4 cup Unbleached flour
1/4 cup Olive oil
1 1/2 tsp Salt
Stir the yeast into the water in a large mixer bowl; let
stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. Add the oil,
pitted olives, flour, and salt. Mix with the paddle for
2 minutes on low speed. Change to the dough hook and mix
4 to 5 minutes until the olives are well broken down.
The olives will exude their liquid, which will give the
dough enough moisture. If necessary, add up to 1 1/2
tablespoons additional water. Finish kneading briefly by
hand on a lightly floured surface, adding the reserved
flour as needed, until the dough is firm. The dough will
feel soft but never smooth. Place the dough in an oiled
bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until
doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Cut the dough in half.
Flatten each half of the dough and fold into thirds,
like a business letter. Roll the dough towards yourself,
using your thumbs to guide the dough and create tension
in the rolling process. Roll with both hands to a cigar
shape that is plumper in the middle and tapered at the
ends. Place the loaves on oiled baking sheets or peels
sprinkled with cornmeal. Press the reserved olives hard
into the tops. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm
spot for about 1 hour. The dough should relax and the
skin should not be tight when it goes into the oven.
Heat the oven to 450 F. If you are using a baking stone,
turn the oven on 30 minutes before baking and sprinkle
the stone with cornmeal just before sliding the loaves
onto it. Place the loaves in the oven and reduce the
heat to 400 F. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on racks.
This is a good bread without a strong olive taste. Bread
Machine: Follow manufacturer's directions, using dough
setting, then shape and finish according to recipe.
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