Mediterranean Black Olive Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cups chopped black olives
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.25 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, mix together flour, yeast, sugar, salt, black olives, olive oil, and water.

2. 2

   Turn out dough onto a floured board. Knead until smooth and elastic, 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside, and let rise about 45 minutes, until it doubles in size. Punch down. Knead well again, for about 5 to 10 minutes. Let rise for about 30 minutes, until it doubles in size.

3. 3

   Round the dough on kneading board. Place upside down in a bowl lined with a lint-free, well floured towel. Let rise until double in size.

4. 4

   While the bread is rising for the third time, put a pan of water in the bottom of the oven. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).

5. 5

   Gently turn loaf out onto a sheet pan that has been lightly oiled and dusted with cornmeal.

6. 6

   Bake loaf at 500 degrees F (260 degrees C) for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake for 30 more minutes, or until done.