Ham & Swiss Loaf

3 1/2-4 c. flour (divided)
2 pkg. yeast
1 c. warm water
1/4 t. salt
2 T. sugar (divided)
1/4 c. prepared mustard (dijonnaise)
2 T. melted butter (cooled)
2-3 c. chopped ham
1 c. grated swiss cheese
3/4 c. olives

In a large mixing bowl, put 1 1/2 c. flour, salt, and 1 T. sugar. Set aside. Let yeast start to work in warm water and 1 T. sugar. When yeast is foamy, add mustard and cooled melted butter. Stir well, add to flour mixture. Add remaining flour to form soft dough. Form ball and rest 10 minutes. Roll out to 15x10 inch rectangle, 1/3 inch thick. Fold dough in half and slide a piece of parchment underneath it ... that'll make transferring it to a baking sheet MUCH easier. Put ham, cheese, and olive mixture on down the center and cut strips on either sides and both ends. Cut away 'corners' and fold down one end over filling and pull strips on either side over each other - making it look like a braid. Transfer to baking sheet. Brush the top with egg.

Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes ... until the top is shiny and golden brown ... let cool for about 10 minutes before cutting as filling will be hot. Reheats really well - Jim actually liked it better the second day.