Focaccia Bread

This recipe was actually one of the first that I posted. However, when I first started I was a bit... awkward. I just was not comfortable talking to the world and my pictures were taken by my cellphone and entirely unedited. I know that I've still got a long ways to go in the blogosphere, but I like to think I've improved a bit since then.

What do you guys think about redoing early, lackluster posts? I'm going to leave it in my archive for historical references, but I just adore this recipe so much and think it needs some special attention.

Anyways, this recipe is an absolute staple in my house.  I'm reposting it because I cannot emphasize enough how freaking awesome it is. And easy! It's the simplest bread I've ever made and I get consistently incredible results. The entire process only takes about an hour, which, at least in the bread-baking world, is no time at all.

Start by combining sugar, yeast, and water in the mixing bowl you plan to use. KitchenAid not necessary, however very helpful.

The yeast mixture should go from looking like this:

To this:

Nice and foamy. Add olive oil, vegetable oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

You're kitchen will start smelling amazing from that Italian seasoning. I put that stuff on everything. Now gradually add the flour until the dough is no longer sticky.

Lightly oil a large bowl, throw a towel or saran wrap on it, and put it outside where it's 90 degrees (yuck!) and let it rise until doubled.

It'll look something like this:

Punch it down. I love punching dough down. I'm not sure why. Lightly oil a cookie sheet.

Shape the dough into loaf form on the cookie sheet. You can do it like traditional focaccia bread which is more circular, an average loaf, a four leaf clover- whatever you want. Just shape it and make it about an inch and a half thick.

Now is where you get to use some creativity. I usually just top it with kosher salt, but historically I have done various cheeses. Top it with whatever you want! Then throw it in the oven at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes.

Yes, 15 minutes. Did you also notice it didn't need to rise a second time? This stuff rocks.

That's it! Now, if you're like me, you'll slice it up as quickly as possible...

And throw a few pieces on a plate with a nice big steak and a salad.

I wish I could eat like that everyday. I swear, I could live off of red meat, bread, and potatoes. I am my father's daughter.

Focaccia Bread
Adapted from AllRecipes

Ingredients
1 tsp white sugar
1 cup warm water
1 tbsp dry active yeast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 1/2-3 cups flour

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, water, and yeast. Let sit for about 10 minutes or until frothy.
3. Add all remaining ingredients except flour and combine.
4. Using your KitchenAid or by hand, incorporate flour 1/2 cup at a time until no longer sticky. Knead for about 7 minutes using your KitchenAid with the dough hook attachment or by hand.
5. Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil and let the dough rise in the bowl until doubled.
6. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Punch dough down and shape into loaf form. Top with kosher salt, parmesan cheese, or mozzarella.
7. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.