Saturday, June 28, 2008

ANYTHING GOES FOCACCIA






You have to admit there is nothing like baking bread to get those juices flowing. I just love making this flat bread/focaccia, mainly because it is so easy to make, a crowd pleaser at any party, and guaranteed to disappear from the plate immediately. You can make it as simple as you want withh only a little olive oil and salt or add what ever you feel like, garlic, rosemary, onions, caramelized onions, olives, ricotta, even tomatoes or all of the above.Go for it!
At Shirley's birthday party we popped this bread in the oven and 15 minutes later served it with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar.. I know that's so retro but still the plate came back CLEAN. There are many focaccia recipes, this one I found to be the easiest to remember.
Focacia
400ml of warm water
1T yeast
1/2 tsp sugar
31/2C flour
1 tsp salt
Olive oil
salt (I used Fleur de Sel Guerande)
What ever topping you wish
I make everything in my KitchenAid and attach the dough hook.
Preheat oven to 400F
Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand for about 10 minutes
Add flour and salt and mix with dough hook for about 3 minutes on medium and then on low for about 4 minutes while scraping down the bowl.
Dough will be a little sticky, if it is too sticky add a little more flour.
Rub a clean bowl with olive oil ,place balled dough into it, cover and place in a warm place and let rice for about11/2 hour.
When doubled in size take out of bowl and press into a rectangular pan.
Sprinkle with olive oil, and desire topping.
Let rise again, about 10 min.
Bake in 400F for about 15 minutes or until bottom and top are golden.

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