Ingredients

• 1 pinch granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced chipotle pepper
• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped green olives
• cornmeal

Instructions

1. In large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water; sprinkle in yeast and let stand until frothy, about 10 minutes. Stir in milk, oil and chipotle pepper. Stir in 3-1/2 cups (875 mL) of the flour and salt to form shaggy, moist dough.

2. Turn out onto floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, dusting with remaining flour as necessary to prevent sticking, about 8 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease all over. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in warm draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours.

3. Punch down dough. Turn out onto well-floured surface; knead in olives until evenly distributed. Form into ball. Dust large rimless baking sheet with cornmeal; place dough on sheet. Cover with damp tea towel; let rise in warm draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.

4. Place metal cake pan with 1 cup (250 mL) water on bottom rack of oven. Place second rack in centre and heat to 450°F (230°C). Using serrated knife, cut 1/4-inch (1 cm) deep X on top of loaf. Bake in centre of oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 400°F (200°C); bake until golden and loaf sounds hollow when tapped on bottom, about 30 minutes. Let cool on rack. (Make-ahead: Store in plastic bag at room temperature for up to 24 hours or overwrap in heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to 1 month.)

5. Additional Information.

6. Bread Machine Variation for Dough Only: In pan of machine, add (in order) water, sugar, milk, oil, chipotle pepper, salt, 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1-1/2 tsp bread-machine or quick-rising (instant) dry yeast. (Do not let yeast touch liquid.) Choose dough setting. When complete, remove from pan. Knead in olives. Shape and bake as directed.