Focaccia is so versatile. You can add cheese to the dough ... add fresh or dried herbs to the dough ... use a flavored olive oil for a twist in the flavor ... of just bake a simple flat bread and top it with all kinds of delicious things!
Here's my easy, quick recipe!
Combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 packet of quick rise yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let this stand for a few minutes while you combine the other ingredients.
In a mixer, using a dough hook, combine the following:
2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
Add 2 Tablespoons of olive oil and the wet yeast mixture to the flour and salt. Mix with the dough hook until the ingredients begin to form a ball.
Put a little olive oil in the bottom of a bowl and place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat it with the oil. Cover this with a damp towel and place it in a warm place to rise for 30 minutes.
After the dough has doubled in size, press it into an oiled pan. Use your fingers to press indentations in the dough, then begin to add toppings for baking.
I always drizzle olive oil over the top and make sure it settles in the little indentations. I like to sprinkle the dough with fresh herbs, and my favorites are Rosemary and Basil. Add some fresh vegetables ... this time I added slices of grape tomatoes and tiny pieces of cauliflower. I topped everything with some shredded mozzarella cheese and crumbles of bleu cheese.
Use anything you like ... clean out the vegetable crisper if you want! You can also add cheese and herbs to the dough, but I like it best on top.
Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.
Use your own creativity and add the toppings that your family likes best!
Enjoy!
