Ingredients

How to make it

  • To create the starter, combine the water and yeast in a medium mixing bowl. Stir to dissolve the yeast fully. Add the flour to the bowl and stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Cover with a cloth and ferment the starter at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • For the dough, combine the water, honey and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir to dissolve the yeast fully. Add the shortening, flour, salt, starter and olives. Mix on low speed until the dough is fully developed. Remove the dough from the mixing bowl. Divide the dough into 2 pieces weighing about 22 ounces each. Set aside any remaining dough and freeze for future use. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball. Place the dough on the counter or in a proofing basket or plastic tub and cover with a warm, damp cloth to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
  • Form the dough into loaves and place them on the counter or in a proofing basket. Cover the loaves with a warm, damp cloth and proof at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Score the loaves with a sharp knife or a lame held at an angle, spray with water, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the crusts are a deep golden brown and the middle of the loaves is 190-200 degrees.
  • Remove the bread from the oven and place it on the cooling rack for 30 minutes. If the bread was baked in loaf pans, remove the bread from the pans before cooling.
  • *Makes 2 loaves
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Lame used to slash bread   Close
Oven lined with baking stone   Close

Reviews & Comments 13

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    " It was excellent "
    angelinaw ate it and said...
    Michael, I made this bread tonight for guests, and it was scrumptous! Your bread was the talk of the table and I already have a request from one to share the recipe with her! Great with some butter on it and not too hard to make either! Thank you for sharing and I look forward to making it again.
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    " It was excellent "
    shepherdrescue ate it and said...
    What a wonderful recipe! I can't wait to put it to work! High five Michael!!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    angelinaw ate it and said...
    Ooh how heavenly sounding, just perfect for the fall weather we're starting to have. I don't normally bake bread, but I will have to start for this bread. Excellent job!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    greekgirrrl ate it and said...
    I make this bread about once a month....my mom's family recipe...very similar to this one! High 5, Michael!!
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    " It was excellent "
    elgab89 ate it and said...
    How delicious! I would love to have some butter and feta cheese on it! Well done!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    jett2whit ate it and said...
    I bet this smells heavenly baking! Mmmmm, ahhhh!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    magandab ate it and said...
    Do you think they'll notice if I leave work right now? It's an emergency, I have to rush home and make BREAD. THIS BREAD. I love Kalamata Olive bread but have never found the perfect recipe. I think I just did.....
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    jimrug1 ate it and said...
    I love this bread. I am not much of a baker but saving this until I can talk someone into baking it for me....;-) Great Recipe... Jim
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    " It was excellent "
    misslizzi ate it and said...
    GORGEOUS!!! I usually buy this at the supermarket, but I betcha this is bettah!
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    " It was excellent "
    pinkpasta ate it and said...
    Well Baker Michael... JoyMarie is bringing the garlic and snap pea soup, I guess I will bring a desert that is fitting of a a 5 star meal and bread such as yours. Maybe someone will bring wine??? LOL!
    High 5 again, Chef. Oh...Beautiful too...
    Debbie~
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    " It was excellent "
    mystic_river1 ate it and said...
    Looks gorgeous! I will bring the garlic and snap pea soup and we will have a supper or souper supper.
    Wonderful !!!!!!
    joymarie
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  • sas 15 years ago
    This sounds really good, Michael. I hate measuring but if you tell me it is worth the work, I'll give it my all. So there are actually 4 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons of yeast? Sas
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    " It was excellent "
    minitindel ate it and said...
    chef michael this bread looks wonderful a very great tasting bread....i want it with a hot bowl of hearty soup........a big 5 plus .thank you baker michael
    sherry
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