Ciao Chow Linda

Focaccia Fun

Author: Ciao Chow Linda

Ingredients

• 1 t. dry yeast (about 1/2 package)

• 1/2 t. sugar

• 2 cups flour (I used bread flour but regular all-purpose flour is ok too)

• 3/4 t. salt

• 3/4 cups warm water (between 105 and 110 degrees)

• olive oil to drizzle on top

• coarse, or kosher salt for the top

• vegetables to decorate top (I used small peppers, red onions, olives, cherry tomatoes, scallions and parsley)

Instructions

1. Dissolve the yeast in about 1/4 cup water and add a tsp. of sugar to help get it started.

2. The temperature of the water is very important.

3. It should be between 105 and 110 degrees.

4. I use a meat thermometer to get the right temperature.

5. Too cold and it takes forever for the dough to rise. Too hot and you kill the yeast.

6. After the yeast has sat in the small bit of water and sugar, it should start to bubble up in about five minutes.

7. Mix it with the flour, the rest of the water and the salt.

8. You can use a food processor or just mix it by hand in a bowl until it’s all blended.

9. Add more flour or water if needed.

10. Knead for about five minutes, then place in a greased bowl and cover it with a dish towel, plastic wrap or a large plate.

11. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled.

12. This could take a couple of hours.

13. Punch down the dough and spread in a cast iron skillet if you have one.

14. If not, just make a free-form circle and use a cookie sheet.

15. Let it sit for about five minutes in the pan, then use your fingers to dimple the top.

16. Decorate with vegetables over the top in any design you like.

17. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.

18. Bake in a preheated 475 degree oven for about 15 minutes-20 minutes.

19. Check to see the bottom is browned and if not, move it to the lowest rack in your oven.

20. If not browned enough, move it to the highest rack in the oven.