by Dabblings
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Dabblings's Notes:
Expand1 cup of warm water (about 115°) Ask a question about this ingredient
2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar Ask a question about this ingredient
3/4 tablespoons of yeast (Or 1 packet) Ask a question about this ingredient
1 large shallot; minced Ask a question about this ingredient
3 tablespoons of olive oil; divided (Plus enough to grease a bowl. Maybe a teaspoonful more) Ask a question about this ingredient
3/4 teaspoons of salt Ask a question about this ingredient
2-3 cups of bread flour (As needed) Ask a question about this ingredient
1 tablespoon of fresh oregano; finely chopped Ask a question about this ingredient
3 tablespoons of cream cheese; softened Ask a question about this ingredient
3 ounces of salami; diced small Ask a question about this ingredient
In a medium bowl combine the water the sugar and the yeast. Stir until dissolved. Let the yeast proof in the water for 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
Ask a question about this stepWhile the yeast is proofing saute the shallot in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil until it is soft and translucent. Set aside.
Ask a question about this stepOnce the yeast has proofed add in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the sauteed shallot, and the salt. Then start adding the flour one cupful at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon after each addition. When the dough is clumping together and it has become really hard to stir it in the bowl dust a surface with some more flour and dump the dough out of the bowl. (I soak the bowl with some warm water at this point to re-use it for letting the dough rise. I just hate lots of dishes.) At this point I have usually used close to 2 cups of the flour but the humidity levels in the air are what really end up determining how much flour you use. Once The dough is on the floured surface knead it for 8 minutes until it feels homogeneous and springs back when you poke it lightly with your finger. Add in extra flour if the dough gets sticky when you are kneading it.
Ask a question about this stepOnce the dough is done kneading set it aside. Rinse and dry the bowl you used for mixing. Then put a small glug (about a teaspoonful) of olive oil in the bowl and spread it all over the bowl using a paper towel. Put the dough into the bowl turning it around to coat the dough completely with a little of the olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or some plastic wrap and set it in a warm, draft free place to rise for 1 hour. During the summer I just leave my bowel on the counter but in the winter I put it in the oven with the light on.
Ask a question about this stepWhile the dough is rising combine the oregano and the salami in a bowl and let the cream cheese come to room temperature. Grease an 8" x4" x 2" loaf pan. I use a Pam spray for this. Even though I don't like the aerosols in them I find the the bread never sticks to the pan when I use it. You can do what you want.
Ask a question about this stepIn an hour the dough will have doubled in size. If it needs a little more time to double then check it in another 15 minutes. If it has doubled then punch it down with your fist and knead it on a clean surface for a minute to get out any large air bubbles.
Ask a question about this stepRoll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 10"-12"x 18"). Spread the softened cream cheese over the dough leaving an inch space around the perimeter of the dough. Then sprinkle the cream cheese with the salami, oregano mixture.
Ask a question about this stepRoll the dough up lengthwise and then fold the sides under. Put it in the greased pan. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and set it on top of the oven. Allow the dough to have a second rise for 30 minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 350°. When the second rise is over put the dough into the oven and bake it for 30 minutes. The bread is done when it's golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap it. Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes and then turn the bread out onto a rack to cool completely. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating it.
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Joanne Chang is the pastry chef/owner of Flour Bakery+Cafe and chef/co-owner of Myers+Chang in Boston.
Let me know how you like it. Ours disapeared quickly.