Italian Snacking Bread

Directions

1. For the bread:
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast with the warm water and let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes. Stir in the egg, oregano, basil, olive oil, and salt.
3. Start by slowly stirring 2 cups of the flour into the liquid mixture, then add more as needed to form a soft yet somewhat sticky dough. Cover and let rest for about 20 minutes.
4. After the 20-minute rest, turn the dough out into an oiled 9- by 13-inch baking pan. Since the dough is sticky, use wet hands to press it into the pan evenly. Let this rest while you make the topping.

1. For the topping and baking:
2. Drain the oil from the anchovies into a large sauté pan and add the tablespoon of olive oil. Turn the heat to medium, add the onions, and sauté.
3. Once the onions have barely started to soften, mince the anchovies and add them to the pan. Continue to sauté until the onions just barely begin caramelize and the anchovies "disappear." Stir in the chopped olives and let the mixture cool.
4. Once cooled, spread the onion, anchovy, and olive mixture over the bread dough and let rise another 30 minutes or so.
5. Heat your oven to 400° F and bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use 2 spatulas to lift from the pan and let the bread cool to room temperature. Cut into small pieces to serve.