Muffaletta

Muffaletta is a type of Sicilian bread (round crusty loaf  with a slightly hollow center) but is best know as one heck of a big sandwich. The sandwich version originated in 1906 at the Central Grocery Store owned by Salvatore Lupo.You can use any bread you like, but it must be able to stand up to the juicy filling. Olive salad can be prepared several days ahead of time and lasts in the fridge up to a week. I like to spread it on sliced baguettes for a tasty snack!

For The Sandwich
1    15-inch loaf rustic Italian bread
1    cup Olive Salad (see recipe below)
1/4  pound sliced genoa_salami ( I use felino_salami when I can find it)
3/4  pound sliced provolone_cheese
1/4  pound sliced prosciutto_cotto (I think prosciutto di parma is better though)
1/4  pound sliced mortadella
Tomato slices
Leafy lettuce leaves (romaine preffered ) rinsed and dried

Olive Salad
2/3 cup green_olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
2/3 cup black_olives , pitted and coarsely chopped (if you can find gaeta_olives that are pitted, I suggest these instead)
1/4 cup fire roasted pimiento, chopped (or 2 small jars diced pimento's)
1/4 cup drained, chopped cocktail_onions
3 garlic_cloves , finely minced
1 anchovy_fillet, mashed
1 tablespoon capers in brine, rinsed lightly and minced
1/3 cup finely chopped flat leaf (Italian) parsley
1 teaspoon ground_oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup extra_virgin_olive_oil
1 tablespoon red_wine_vinegar

Mix all the ingredients together. Cover and allow to marinate over night or a minimum of 12 hours.