Olive - Cheese Quick Bread

Debber's Note:

Very pretty presentation! Loaded with salty green olives in a savory cheesy bread, this really hits the spot along-side a thick soup on a cold winter's evening. Try it with Potato & Ham Soup OR Clam Chowder. Enjoy the colors when you cut the slices!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 8-10

Yield: 1.0 loaf

• 2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg , room temp
• ¾ cup milk (or buttermilk or water)
• ¼ cup oil
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion (optional)
• 35 stuffed green olives
• 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Grease a loaf pan; set aside. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients and the cheese; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, lightly beat egg; stir in milk and oil, mixing well.
4. Add onion to the egg-milk, mix; then stir into flour mixture--do not over-mix, just get things moist.
5. Spoon half of batter into prepared pan. Arrange 28 olives on their sides, 4 rows of 7 olives each.
6. Spoon remaining batter over the olives, smoothing the top with the back of the spoon.
7. Place remaining 7 olives evenly spaced down the center of the top of the loaf.
8. Brush with olive oil (or spray).
9. Bake 35-45 minutes until wooden pick comes out clean.
10. Let stand 10 minutes---this is really important or the loaf will sort of fall apart when you cut it :-(.
11. VARIATIONS: Use a different type of cheese for a whole different flavor. How about a different kind of olive? Mmmmm -- .

Reviews

[Kittencalskitchen]

this was a great tasting bread but I would have prefered it to be a little lighter in texture, I increased the cheese by 1/2 cup and used buttermilk, thanks for sharing Debber

[WorldFamousBigB]

This turned out alright for me, but boy oh boy, 1 cup of shredded cheese is not anywhere near enough.I would use around 3 or 4 next time.

[Pellerin]

Awesome! Used 2 cups of EXTRA sharp cheddar and sprinkled in 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper and topped with melted butter and parmesan before baking. Also used melted butter instead of oil (blush). OH YUM! Thanks!