Sunday Morning Breakfast Loaf

Sunday morning was cold. The only warmth seemed to be coming from the three cats piled on the bed. Even they, who normally are pestering for breakfast, didn't seem to want to open their eyes and looked a bit put out when I disturbed the nest by getting up.

In the kitchen, thinking what to make over a large mug of tea.. I pulled out the flour. Today was definitely a 'breakfast loaf' kind of day. But I really didn't feel like the 2 1/2 hours wait for rising time. Before I could even cook the loaf!

Don't get me wrong - I adore making bread. But some days? Are cheat days.

Now the great thing about these wonderful products is that you just tip the contents into a bowl, add 1 tbsp. of olive oil and (in this pack size) 350ml of warm water. Mix, knead for a few minutes and its done. No setting aside to prove at this stage.

Shape the dough with your hands directly on a floured baking sheet. You want it to be a large rectangle. Then you can start to fill.

Whilst I was putting the dough together I had hardboiled 3 eggs and they were cooling in cold water. In the middle strip of the rectangle I put 6 slices of Parma ham, breaking it up a little as I laid them out. I peeled the eggs, sliced them, and laid out a layer of the egg. Then I chopped up some sun blush tomatoes (semi dried) and placed them on top. Then a mix of 100g cheddar and 100g Fontina cheese (use what you have), grated and put a layer of the cheese. Then a little fresh basil - and seasoned with plenty of black pepper and a little drizzle of olive oil.

You then lift the dough over the filling, sealing well to close. Flip the whole loaf over so its sitting on the seam. Then you cover it loosely with cling film leave it to prove in a warm place for just 25 minutes! Pop in the oven at 190 C for 30 minutes and its done.

A large slice of this is everything you need in a breakfast, piping hot, oozing cheese with flavours of the Parma ham, the basil.. just delicious. And also a great idea for picnics.