The onset of the warmer weather has had me dreaming of an olive bread. We’ve picnicked in some beautiful places and often our lunch included some kind of olives to go along with bread, as well as a smattering of charcuterie goodies and a bottle of wine. For me, that’s as good of a meal as one at a fancy restaurant! Sometimes, the setting makes the meal. While I can’t transport you to a Tuscan hillside, this week’s bread comes pretty close. Kalamata olives marinated with fresh thyme, lemon zest, garlic, red pepper flakes (just a few!), and olive oil all play together in a sigh-inducing sourdough. The flavor benefits from an overnight levain, long fermentation, and then a cold overnight rest in the fridge. My new bread oven bakes these loaves to a mahogany-colored crust, leaving the interior soft and delicious. Pick up some proscuitto, a good cheese, and a bottle of wine and you’ll have yourself the best meal in town.
I’ll be baking on Thursday, May 11th and Friday, May 12th. After this week, I’ll be taking a break while we do some camping as a family. I’ll be back to baking in June! Please place your orders by Monday, May 8th.