One of the oldest foods known to man, bread goes all the way back to the Neolithic era. Archaeologists know that yeast was in use in 4000 BC. The sweet smell fills the house and comforts the soul and tingles expectant taste buds, setting the stage for a meal to be remembered.
Focaccia bread is perhaps the easiest type of fresh bread to bake, but that in no way diminishes its ability to warm our souls and fill our stomachs. Try these two Focaccia recipes, and your sure to being a convert to the “fresh bread” tradition.
Traditional Focaccia Bread
INGREDIENTS
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
- Dissolve sugar and yeast in a small bowl of warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes.
- Put flour into a large bowl, pour on the yeast mixture, and mix well to combine. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until all of the flour is absorbed and a soft dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 1 minute.
- Lightly oil a large bowl, Put the dough in and turn to coat with the oil. Cover with a damp cloth, place in a warm place, and let rise for about 30 minutes until dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
- Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a board, lightly floured. Knead for about 1 minute more. Shape with your fingers or roll the dough into a flat sheet and place on a baking sheet that has been lightly oiled.
- Brush the dough with oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake Focaccia in preheated oven for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on desired brownness.
Note: Add your own herbs, spices, and veggies to create unique breads.
Spicy Pepper Focaccia
INGREDIENTS
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 (.25 ounce) package yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 cup water
- 4 tablespoons Canola oil, divided
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Dissolve 1 Tbsp sugar and yeast in a small bowl of warm water.
- Let sit for 6-8 minutes.
- Combine 1-1/2 cups flour in a large bowl, remaining 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour on the yeast mixture.
- Add remaining water and 2 tablespoons oil to dry ingredients.
- Mix well until dough pulls away from sides of bowl.
- Turn out onto floured board and gently add flour to form a soft dough. Do not knead. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide dough in half. Press each portion into a 12-in. pizza pan, two iron skillets, or a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Brush with remaining oil; top with peppers and cheese. Sprinkle with pepper flakes if desired, basil, oregano, garlic powder, pepper and remaining salt.
- Let rest for 10 minutes. Bake at 425 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.Serve these Focaccia breads with Risotto or homemade Tomato Soup or Mushroom Soup.
Christopher T. Reilly - Hello. I have been a professional writer for 25 years with experience that encompasses articles, essays, websites, Internet content, stage ...
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