Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Bake Focaccia Bread

Bread


Focaccia bread is very quick and easy to make. It is known as a flat bread. You can make a basic bread or add toppings such as cheese, garlic and herbs to make it more flavorful. Many grocery stores and bakeries now carry focaccia bread, as it is growing in popularity. This homemade recipe is delicious and can be made with common ingredients you usually have in your pantry.


Instructions








1. Put the first five ingredients in a large bowl in order. Then add two cups of flour. Beat hard with a wooden spoon and continue adding more flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until it holds together. It should require between 4 and 5 cups of flour. Knead it with your hands until the dough is not sticky.


2. Spray cooking spray in the medium bowl and place the rounded ball of dough in it. Cover the bowl with a towel. Place it in a warm, dark place for approximately one hour. A good spot is an oven that is preheated to 175 degrees. Turn off the oven and place the bowl inside.


3. Remove the dough from the bowl onto a flat surface and punch it down. If the dough is sticky, you may need to add a bit more flour. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and spread the dough on the sheet. You may put olive oil on your hands to help spread the dough. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Let the dough stand for 10 minutes.








4. Dab your fingers into the top of bread, making "dimples." Sprinkle olive oil and salt across the top of the bread. Add chopped garlic if you like at this time. Place the bread in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven when the top is browned. Cut with a pizza cutter or knife and enjoy. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tags: cooking spray, cups flour, dough sticky, more flour, spread dough, your hands