Tried and True Focaccia Bread?!
Also, in its dough form what should the consistency be? Smooth or lumpy? I'm using a bread machine but would also like to try it in my Kitchen Aid Mixer - what have you found to work for you?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Answers: I've searched online and tried a few recipes I've found, but something is missing. Do you have a tried and true recipe of yours for this yummy bread?
Also, in its dough form what should the consistency be? Smooth or lumpy? I'm using a bread machine but would also like to try it in my Kitchen Aid Mixer - what have you found to work for you?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Focaccia Bread
I recently bought a breadmaker. Although I LOVE to knead bread, I haven't had the time for, ohh...10 or so years to do it regularly. My two growing teens adore this focaccia bread recipe that I adapted from various sources.
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional)
4 cups whilte flour
3 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons instant skim milk powder
2 teaspoons yeast
Put ingredients in machine in order above. Set to "dough" setting. When it is ready, cut the dough in half, spread into circles on baking sheets or pizza pans. Brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle on: garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, basil, rosemary, feta or parmesan cheese (or both!) and a little coarse salt. Bake in an oven preheated to 450 F. for 10 - 12 minutes. Enjoy with soup, cheese or Italian style with balsamic vinegar and olive oil (equal parts) swirled in a saucer.
Herbed Focaccia Bread Mix
First assemble the dry ingredients in a quart size Zip-Lock or similar zip-top plastic bag:
* 4 cups white flour
* 3 Tablespoons sugar
* 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
* 2 T. Herbs de Provence mix (see below, or buy it pre-mixed)
Herbs de Provence
* 3 T. oregano leaves, dried
* 3 T. savory leaves, dried (if you can find them)
* 3 T. thyme leaves, dried
* 2 T. lavender fs, dried (if you can find them)
* 1 t. basil leaves, dried
* 1 t. rosemary leaves, dried
* 1 t. sage leaves, dried
Combine all of the herbs and mix well. If you cannot find savory or lavender, don't worry about it. Store in a small zip-top bag. Use in Herbed Focaccia Bread Mix, or on top of meats, or in salad dressings.
Mix the dry ingredients well in the bag. You can do this by sealing it and then turning it over and over. Place the bag in a colorful homemade fabric gift bag. Pull the drawstring tight and tie it loosely. Attach this recipe to the gift:
Potato Focaccia Bread
This is a great "no kneading" bread recipe.
* 2 potatoes - any kind (or equiv. instant-somewhat dry)
* 1 pkg yeast Rapid rise works well
* 1 1/2 cup (105F)water
* 4c flour
* 2 1/4 tsp salt
* 2 TBS olive oil
* 2 ripe roma tomatos cut into 1" pieces
* 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Boil potatoes until tender or prepare about the same amount from instant (somewhat dry). Dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl and then mix potatoes, flour, 2 tsp salt, dissolved yeast, and 1 TBS olive oil until blended. Set aside to rise until double. (rapid yeast=30 min). Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 8" baking pan with remaining oil, place dough in pan and turn to coat dough with the oil. Arrange the tomato wedges on top and press slightly. Sprinkle oregano and salt over top. Bake until golden brown, about 1 hour. Serve hot!
Yummy Filling Suggestions:
* Slice zucchini & eggplant or other vegetable in long 1/4" strips
* Brush with olive oil and Italian spices.
* Broil until slightly brown on both sides
* In a NON-STICK PAN place one slice of provolone cheese on preheated Med-Med-high pan. Place roasted veggies on top and add another slice. When edges of cheese are brown flip onto other side of cheese and cook until brown. When both sides are browned, place fried cheese and veggies on focaccia bread with finely shredded lettuce and sauce (mayo with crushed garlic and Italian spices).
the dough should be smooth