Focaccia Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees F)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or high gluten
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/3 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup slivered or sliced Tomato
- Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black peppe
Preparation:
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and allow to active for 10 minutes.
In the bowl of a mixer with the paddle attachment, add 3 cups of the flour, salt, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and the yeast mixture. Slowly turn on the mixer and mix until the dough comes together. Gradually add remaining flour, plus 1/4 cup more if dough is still too wet. Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, for 3 hours or overnight in fridge.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Punch down the dough, and remove it from the bowl onto a lightly greased 9 by 13-inch baking sheet. Spread the dough to the edges of the baking sheet. Using your fingertips, make "dimples" in the dough. Brush the dough with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and sprinkle with olives, almonds and savory. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Brush warm bread with remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
