Focaccia

Here is another recipe that we like to make at home and now I am writing it so that my children who are away from home can make it - to remind them of home.  

Focaccia

(Based on Anne Burrell’s recipe)

Ingredients:

2 ¾ cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

1 Tbsp active dry yeast

4 Tbsp olive oil

1 cup water

2 Tbsp

Steps:

1.       1.  Combine the warm water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Put the bowl in a warm, not hot or cool, place until the yeast is bubbling and aromatic, at least 15 minutes.

2.      2.  In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 4 tablespoons olive oil and the yeast mixture on low speed. Once the dough has come together, continue to knead for 5 to 6 minutes on a medium speed until it becomes smooth and soft. Give it a sprinkle of flour if the dough is really sticky and tacky.

3.       3.  Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface, and then knead it by hand 1 or 2 times. Again, give it another sprinkle of flour if the dough is really sticky and tacky.

4.       4.  Coat the inside of the mixer bowl lightly with olive oil and return the dough to the bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and put it in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size, at least 1 hour.

5.       5.  Coat a cookie sheet pan with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.  (Note: This may seem excessive, but focaccia is an oily crusted bread. This is why it is so delicious!).

6.       6.  Put the dough onto the jelly roll pan and begin pressing it out to fit the size of the pan.  Make sure the other side of dough is also coated with the olive oil. Continue to stretch the dough to fit the pan. As you are doing so, spread your fingers out and make finger holes all the way through the dough. (Chef's Note: Yes, this is strange. But when the dough rises again it will create the characteristic craggy looking focaccia. If you do not make the actual holes in the dough, the finished product will be very smooth.)

7.       7.  Put the dough in the warm place until it has doubled in size, about 30 min. While the dough is rising a second time, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

1.      8.  Liberally sprinkle the top of the focaccia with some coarse sea salt and lightly drizzle a little oil on top. Bake the dough until the top of the loaf is golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool before cutting and serving.

   

2.              Eat :)