Olive Ladder Bread (Fougasse)

Directions

1. 1

   2 1/2 c Lukewarm water 1 ts Dry yeast 6 c Unbleached all purpose flour (6 to 7) 2 tb Olive oil plus extra for -oiling Surfaces 2 ts Salt 1 1

2. 2

   Place water in a large bowl, sprinkle on yeast, then stir in 2 1/2 cups of the all purpose flour

3. 3

   Stir 100 times in the same direction (one minute) to develop the gluten, then leave this sponge covered with plastic wrap for 30 minutes or

4. 4

   Mix in remaining flour, a cup at a time, stirring always in the same direction, until dough becomes too stiff to stir

5. 5

   Turn dough out onto a well floured working surface

6. 6

   Using floured hands, knead gently until the dough has an even consistency (apart from the olives), then knead 5 minutes longer

7. 7

   Clean bread bowl, oil it lightly, place dough in the bowl, then cover with plastic wrap

8. 8

   Let rise for 2 to 3 hours