HAM'N CHEESE PICNIC BREAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand until fully dissolved and creamy (this will take close to 10 minutes).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the dissolved yeast mixture, with the flour, butter, egg, sugar and salt and mix this well.
• When the dough has come (pulled) together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until nice and smooth.
• This will take around 7-8 minutes.
• Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in this bowl and turn to coat the dough with oil.
• Cover with a damp cloth and set aside to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in volume.
• This will take approximately 1 hour.
• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Combine ham, cheese, pimento, and olives in a medium bowl, and set aside.
• Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
• ROll or pat the dough into a 10x14 inch rectangle.
• Make parallel cuts 3/4 inch wide and 2 inches long on the two long edges of the rectangle.
• Evenly spread the filling mixture over the center of the rectangle.
• Fold the short ends of the rectangle over the filling.
• Starting from one of these ends-- alternately stretch strips so that they overlap diagnally.
• Transfer the loaf to a lightly greased baking sheet, cover with damp cloth and set aside to rise until doubled in volume.
• This will take around 40 minutes or so.
• Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.