The kick-off to patio season has to be celebrated with a great appetizer, right? Which is why today’s recipe is perfectly suited. This Ham, Olive and Cheese Bread is very popular in France, and a French aperitif favorite.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cup (155g) flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
½ tsp Herbs de Provence (or dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried savory)
3 large eggs
¼ cup (60ml) milk (2% or whole)
2 tbsp (30g) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup (100g) grated cheese (ie. Emmental or Gruyere)
100g Olives, pitted (black, green or a mix)
70g Ham, diced and skin removed
INSTRUCTIONS
Pre-heat your oven to 350F (180C) with a rack in the middle. Butter and flour a loaf pan (8×4-inches) very well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper and herbs de provence. Add the eggs and mix, using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Mix in the milk and the EVOO. Fold in the grated cheese, followed by the olives and ham cubes.
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. The batter is quite thick, so use a spatula to smooth out the top.
Bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Transfer to a cooling rack and wait 15 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
