Ham and Swiss Loaf

Ingredients

• 3 1/2-4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 packages fast rising yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup very warm water (120-130^ F)
• 1/4 cup prepared mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups chopped cooked ham (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup grated swiss cheese (4oz)

• 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos, well drained
• 3/4 cup diced dill pickles
• 1 egg, slightly beaten

Directions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine 1+1/2 cups flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt.

2. 2

   Stir warm water, mustard and butter into dry ingredients.

3. 3

   Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

4. 4

   Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes.

5. 5

   Cover, let rest on floured surface 10 minutes.

6. 6

   On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 15 x 10 inch rectangle.

7. 7

   Transfer to greased baking sheet.

8. 8

   Sprinkle ham, cheese, pimientos, and pickles lengthwise over the center third of dough.

9. 9

   with a sharp knife, make cuts from filling to dough edges at 1 inch intervals along sides of filling.

10. 10

    Alternating sides, fold strips at an angle across filling.

11. 11

    Cover loaf; let rise in warm, draft-free place until almost double in size, about 20 to 40 minutes.

12. 12

    Brush loaf with egg.

13. 13

    Bake at 375^ F for 35 minutes or until done.

14. 14

    Remove from sheet to wire rack.

15. 15

    Serve warm.

16. 16

    Refrigerate leftovers: reheat to serve.