Ham'n Cheese Picnic Bread Recipe

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand until fully dissolved and creamy (this will take close to 10 minutes).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dissolved yeast mixture, with the flour, butter, egg, sugar and salt and mix this well.
3. When the dough has come (pulled) together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until nice and smooth.
4. This will take around 7-8 minutes.
5. Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in this bowl and turn to coat the dough with oil.
6. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in volume.
7. This will take approximately 1 hour.
8. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
9. Combine ham, cheese, pimento, and olives in a medium bowl, and set aside.
10. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
11. ROll or pat the dough into a 10x14 inch rectangle.
12. Make parallel cuts 3/4 inch wide and 2 inches long on the two long edges of the rectangle.
13. Evenly spread the filling mixture over the center of the rectangle.
14. Fold the short ends of the rectangle over the filling.
15. Starting from one of these ends- alternately stretch strips so that they overlap diagnally.
16. Transfer the loaf to a lightly greased baking sheet, cover with damp cloth and set aside to rise until doubled in volume.
17. This will take around 40 minutes or so.
18. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.