Pane con olive e rosmarino (olive and rosemary bread)

The perfume that fills the house when baking this bread is amazing.  It is wonderful that something so simple as a loaf of bread can bring such happiness and warmth to any environment.  The wonder of removing a perfectly baked loaf from the oven truly makes me smile and those around!  This recipe is so simple, and soon you will be addicted to baking fresh loafs.

5 cups bread-making flour tipo 00

25 grams of fresh yeast (availalbe from a good bakery)

2 cups warm water

2 tpsn salt

1 tsp sugar

2 tspn olive oil

1 cup of olives (I like green Sicilian)

Handful of fresh rosemary

Rock salt for the top of loafs

Step 1: Mix hot water, 2 cups of sifted flour and yeast together in a large bowl

Step 2: Add sugar, salt and oil.  This stages combines and activates the yeast.  Let it sit for about 10 minutes

Step 3: Add 3 more cups of sifted flour, then olives.  When the dough gets tough to stir with a wooden spoon, flip onto a clean and well floured surface.  Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes.  This will depend on the consistency of your dough.

Step 4: Let the dough sit and rise in a bowl in a warm place (I place over a bowl of warm water).  Cover with a tea towel and let rise between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 5: Remove the dough and punch it down (the dough should rise to double in size).  Literally use your fists to punch it.

Step 6: Place some flour on a baking tray to prevent the dough from sticking.  Then separate dough in half and place side by side on the baking tray to resemble the shape of bread (see picture below).  Sprinkle loafs with rock salt and rosemary (or oregano and olive oil etc).

Step 7: Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, but keep your eye on them!

This bread is delicious on it's own but I generally serve it on the table to accompany a meal!

Buon Appetito!!