Recipe(tried): Muffaletta Sandwich and Olive Salad

Muffaletta is a sandwich that originated in New Orleans, made with a round Sicilian loaf of Italian bread, lots of cold cut meats and cheeses, and the main ingredient is olive salad. This is my recipe, it was my grandmother's.

MUFFALETTA SANDWICH

FOR THE OLIVE SALAD:
1 gallon large pimento stuffed green olives, slightly crushed and well drained
1 quart jar pickled cauliflower, drained and sliced
1 pound large Greek black olives
2 small jars capers, drained
4 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced diagonally
1 whole stalk celery, sliced diagonally
1 large head fresh garlic, peeled and minced
1 jar pepperoncini, drained (small salad peppers) left whole
1 jar cocktail onions, drained
1 small jar celery seeds
1 small jar oregano
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Combine all ingredients except the oil in a large bowl or pot and mix well. Place in a large jar and cover with 1 cup EVOO. Store tightly covered in refrigerator. Allow to marinate for at least 24 hours before using.

FOR THE SANDWICH:
1 round loaf Italian bread
1/4 pound mortadella, thinly sliced
1/4 pound ham, thinly sliced
1/4 pound hard Genoa salami, thinly sliced
1/4 pound fresh Mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 pound Provolone cheese, sliced (mild or sharp)
roasted peppers (optional)
1 cup Olive Salad with oil (EVOO)*

Split the loaf of Italian bread horizontally and scoop out inside of bread. Spread each half with equal parts of olive salad and oil. Place meats and cheeses evenly on bottom half and cover with top half of bread.

Cut in quarters. Enjoy! :)

NOTES:
Be sure to use good quality cold cuts, and FRESH mozzarella.

I like to add roasted peppers to my sandwich. It's optional.

Giardiniera are pickled veggies, containing cauliflower, carrots, etc. You can find it right next to the olives and peppers, in any supermarket, or fresh, in an Italian Deli.