Easy Mediterranean Picnic Sandwich

Makes 8 servings

Fig-Olive Filling:
8 ounces (1 pkg.) Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Mission
or Calimyrna Figs, stems removed
1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
1/3 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olives
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil (1 1/2 teaspoons dry basil)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons each water and drained capers
Salt and pepper to taste

Sandwich:
1 round (24 oz.) sourdough, French or Italian bread, unsliced
1 pound assorted sliced deli meats and cheeses (turkey, ham, provolone)

Thinly slice figs. Combine with remaining filling ingredients; set aside. Cutting horizontally, remove top third of loaf. Hollow out bottom portion of loaf, leaving a 1-inch shell. Pack filling into bottom of loaf, reserving about 3 tablespoons of liquid. Brush liquid on cut side of top. Layer sliced meats over filling. Replace top of bread loaf. Wrap in airtight plastic bag. Place loaf upside down in refrigerator. Weight with 5-pounds (e.g. bag of sugar) and refrigerate for 3 to 12 hours. To serve, turn up-right and cut into wedges.

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