Focaccia Bread

Focaccia Bread

 Ingredients

1 teaspoon honey

2 cups lukewarm water

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1 teaspoon kosher salt

4 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

4- 5 cups all-purpose flour

Here are some ideas for optional toppings

parmesan cheese, tomato slices, olives, onions, garlic ( fresh or roasted), rosemary, basil, sliced mushrooms

Directions

In a large bowl dissolve the honey in lukewarm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let stand for a few minutes until the yeast starts to foam. Stir in the flour, 1 cup at a time, the salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix in your stand mixer or knead by hand until no dry flour remains and the dough comes together. Continue mixing/ kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This will take about 5 – 10 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough in the bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled. This can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. I like to put the bowl in my oven with the oven light on. Once the dough has doubled, pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with a tablespoon of oil. Place the dough on the baking sheet. Carefully press the dough to make sure that it covers the entire baking sheet.  Use your fingertips to make a few indentations in the dough. Drizzle the focaccia with the remaining olive oil and add the toppings of your choice. Let rise for an extra 30 minutes.  Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.