Cornbreadfocaccia Recipes

FOCACCIA

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2-cup warm water and honey; let stand for 5 minutes. Add flour, 1/4 cup oil, salt and remaining 3/4-cup water; mixing until smooth (dough will be wet). Scrape the sides of the bowl clean; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes., Preheat oven to 425°. Brush a 13x9-in. baking pan with 1 tablespoon oil. Gently scrape dough directly into pan. With oiled hands, gently spread dough. If dough springs back, wait 10 minutes and stretch again. Make indentations in the dough with your fingers. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil; let rise until doubled in size, 30-40 minutes. , If desired, sprinkle with sea salt. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cut into squares; serve warm.

CORNMEAL FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Place the warm water in the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with the dough hook. Sprinkle the dry yeast over the water; stir. Let stand until the yeast dissolves, bubbles, and proofs, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add 4 cups of the flour, cornmeal, salt, and chopped rosemary and stir on low to combine. Add an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of the remaining flour and knead on medium speed until smooth.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Form the dough into a ball.
• Place 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large bowl; add the dough, turning to coat in oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 475°F. Brush a 18 x 13-inch rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil. Punch down the dough and transfer to the prepared sheet. Using your fingertips, press out the dough to fit the pan. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Let the dough rise, uncovered, in a warm place until puffy, about 30 minutes.
• Dimple the dough with your fingertips, forming indentations. Top with the sliced tomatoes and onion and season with salt and pepper. Scatter the rosemary sprigs around and press lightly into the dough. Bake until brown and crusty, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• When proofing bread in a cool, drafty kitchen, I often turn my microwave into a makeshift proofing box. I boil water in a microwave-safe measuring cup for a couple of minutes to heat the microwave and create steam (don't remove the cup of water). I then place my bowl of dough in the microwave and quickly shut the door. This creates a warm, draft-free spot for the bread to rise.

FOCACCIA BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, sugar, yeast, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil and black pepper. Mix in the vegetable oil and water.
• When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Punch dough down; place on greased baking sheet. Pat into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle. Brush top with olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
• Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.