For the past 7 weeks, it has rained on the weekend and that’s left me wanting to do some baking. Last week, was a busy week with the school year ending for the kids, the last 2 t-ball games, lots of work projects happening and of course, the usual hustle and bustle of our busy lives. We all needed to recovery on Sunday and it was the perfect day for that – another rainy day. I made a new recipe for dinner and was inspired to make focaccia bread after watching a Pioneer Woman episode on Food Network.
I haven’t made homemade bread in months and it was so relaxing. Does anyone else find baking relaxing? This recipe was really easy to make since I had all the ingredients on hand. My husband and I dipped it in olive oil, but it would be perfect for grilled sandwiches.
1 3/4 cups warm water (110-115 degrees)
1 package instant yeast
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, plus more for sprinkling
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
5 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 Tbsp kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Using the bowl of stand mixer, combine the water, yeast, Italian seasoning, sugar and half of the flour. Stir to combine. With a dough hook, turn the mixer on low-speed and slowly add in the remaining flour, salt and 1/2 cup olive oil. When the dough comes together, increase the speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and soft.
Lightly oil another bowl and transfer the dough to it. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size.
Pour the remaining 1/4 cup of olive in a jelly roll to coat the bottom of the pan. Press out the dough with your fingertips to stretch it to the size of the pan. Using your fingers, make little holes all the way through the dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Brush the top of the bread with any olive oil that has accumulated in the corners of the pan. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and Italian seasoning. Bake until golden brown about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, cool slightly and slice.
Source: Handle the Heat
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