Dreamy Focaccia

Isn't it magical that you can make something so good you'll even dream about it.

Oh my, this is one of those recipes that is so good you'll dream about it. It is one of my family's go to for anything. We even use it as a pizza dough and it makes the best pizza! you can even use it as a vessel for sandwich, or its dreamy just by itself.

Nothing quite compares to the scent of bread baking in the oven, filling the kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma that promises something delicious. Among the many types of bread I've baked and tasted, focaccia holds a special place in my heart. This Italian bread, with its characteristic olive oil-infused crust and airy interior, is not only delicious but also deeply versatile. I still vividly remember my first perfect slice of focaccia in a quaint Tuscan bakery—soft, yet crispy with a sprinkle of sea salt and rosemary, it was love at first bite.

Focaccia's roots are as rich as its flavor, dating back to ancient times. Originally a staple in the Mediterranean, focaccia was adopted by Italian bakers, evolving over centuries into the beloved versions we know today. Each region of Italy adds its own twist, but perhaps the most famous is the Focaccia di Genova from Liguria, renowned for its olive oil richness and crispy, yet tender bite. Historically, focaccia served as a test for the heat of wood-fired ovens, a critical step before baking a batch of bread.

Creating an amazing focaccia at home is surprisingly easy. You'll be doing it again and again.

First you are going to take warm water, sugar or honey, and yeast and put it into a bowl. I like to let it activate then for at least 5 minutes letting it get frothy.

Then I add the oil, salt, and flour in and mix it all up. You can use all purpose flour or you can bread flour to really get it light and fluffy. It's really up to you and what you prefer.

Then you are going to let it rise for the first time. Make sure you put it in an oiled bowl. I like to let its rise for about an hour and until it is doubled. I always find this part magical.

Then I switch it into the pan where I will bake it in and let it rise again for at least a half an hour. After it has risen this is the fun part by putting olive oil on it and what you'd like to top it with. You will also use your fingers and put dimples into it.

Then you're going to bake it until its nice and golden and it comes out dreamy and magical.

One of the delights of focaccia is its adaptability. While traditional toppings include rosemary and salt, the flat surface of the dough is a canvas for creativity. Try caramelized onions, Kalamata olives, or even slices of potato for a heartier variation. Each ingredient sinks slightly into the dough as it bakes, becoming part of the bread’s intricate flavor profile.

Focaccia can be enjoyed in countless ways: as a side to a vibrant salad, sliced horizontally for an Italian sandwich, or torn as a rustic accompaniment to a hearty soup. It pairs beautifully with a range of wines, from crisp white wines to light reds, enhancing the flavors of the bread and your meal.

Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned chef, focaccia offers a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor that can transform any meal into an occasion. It invites experimentation and can be a gateway to more complex baking endeavors.

Have you ever tried making focaccia at home? What are your favorite toppings? Share your experiences or any tips you have in the comments below—I'd love to hear about your culinary adventures!

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups of warm water

• 2 tsp of honey or sugar

• 2.5 tsp of dry active yeast

• pinch of salt

• 1/4 cup of oil

• 5 cups of all purpose flour or bread flour

Process

1. Combine the warm water, sugar or honey, and yeast and let it activate for at least 5 minutes.

2. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix them all together.

3. Let it rise in an oiled bowl for about 1 hour and a half.

4. Transfer dough into the pan you'll be baking it in and let it rise again for at least 30 minutes.

5. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown.

6. Enjoy!