Focaccia

I had a girls day out with my friend Momma H and Lawrence the other week, while we were chatting over lunch I asked MH if there were any recipes she particularly wished to see here.  MH asked for a bread recipe,  when I thought about it I realised that most people are intimidated by bread baking.  I thought I would start with something that doesn't need hours and hours of kneading.

This is the best recipe for those that wish to start making bread but think its too hard!

The recipe also doubles as pizza dough in our house and makes the best pizzas!

If you have a bread maker use it on the pizza dough setting and put the ingredients in order stated by the manufacturer.  If you are using a mixer use your dough hook, if your doing this by hand.... Good Luck! your a better person than me *giggle*

500g Pizza/bread or "000" Flour
300ml tepid water
1 tablespoon dried yeast
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

If using a machine put the water, salt and olive oil in the bowl, flour and then yeast.  Let the machine do the work.

 

 

If using the mixer put the water oil and yeast in a bowl with a pinch of sugar, mix and set aside for 15 minutes until frothy.  In your mixer bowl put the flour and salt.  When the yeast is foamy pour into the flour with dough hook on and motor on low, when the dough is mixed turn the machine to medium and allow to go for 10 minutes.

When kneaded oil the bowl, place the dough back in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap or tea towel and set aside in a warm draft free place for 50 minutes.  Dough should double in size.

When risen "punch" down the dough and knead for 2 minutes,  put into pre oiled tray and stretch out to the edges.  Cover with tea towel and set aside in a warm place for 20 minutes,  the dough should again double in size.  Push fingers into the dough to make "dimples" brush with olive oil, sprinkle on salt flakes and any herbs you wish, or add olives and cheese.

Put into 200C pre heated oven for approximately 20 to 30 minutes to bake or until the bottom of the focaccia sounds hollow when tapped.