Recipe: Focaccia [edit]

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Edited by: Alisa Escanlar, Desiree Lowe, Barnaby Dorfman

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Wikipedia

Focaccia () is a flat oven-baked Italian bread, which may be topped with herbs or other ingredients. Focaccia is related to pizza, but not considered to be the same. Focaccia is quite popular in Italy and is usually seasoned with olive oil and sometimes herbs, and may be topped with onion, cheese and meat, or flavored with a number of vegetables. However, by far the most typical focaccia is simply baked dough topped with olive oil and a simple herb like rosemary or sage, and salted with coarse salt. It is very popular as a snack in Italy and school children will often purchase a slice from a baker on the way to school, to enjoy at break time. Focaccia doughs are similar in style and texture to pizza doughs, consisting of high-gluten flour, oil, water, salt and yeast. It is typically rolled out or pressed by hand into a thick layer of dough and then baked in a stone-bottom or hearth oven. Bakers often puncture the bread with a knife to relieve bubbling on the surface of the bread. Also common is the practice of dotting the bread. This creates multiple wells in the bread by using a finger or the handle of a utensil to poke the unbaked dough. As a way to preserve moisture in the bread, olive oil is then spread over the dough, by hand or with a pastry brush prior to rising and baking. In the northern part of Italy, lard will sometimes be added to the dough, giving the focaccia a softer, slightly flakier taste. Focaccia recipes are widely available, and with the popularity of bread machines, many cookbooks now provide version of dough recipes that do not require hand kneading. Focaccia can be used as a side to many meals, as a base for pizza, or as sandwich bread.

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Yield: 8 servings

[edit] Ingredients

1	loaf bread dough, thawed
2	tablespoons olive oil
2	tablespoons chopped rosemary or basil
3	cloves garlic, peeled, finely chopped
¼	cup finely chopped onions
½	cup grated Parmesan cheese

[edit] Preparation

Step 1	Roll or press the dough out into a 14-inch circle. You may allow the dough to rest during the rolling to get it that diameter. Set on a greased cookie sheet or pizza pan. Brush on the oil, then sprinkle on the remaining ingredients. Allow to rise, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Step 2	Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake on the bottom rack for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the focaccia is brown. This makes 8 servings.