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Focaccia
Bread
You
can flavour this bread with pretty much anything you
like. Its great with pasta dishes, and also as snacks if
you make them bitesize!
You
need:
350g plain flour
2 tsp (easy blend) yeast
olive oil
250ml warm water
salt
your chosen toppings.
Sift
the flour and salt into a large bowl, if you are using
easy blend yeast (which I recommend) put that in too,
if not mix into the water and leave until frothy.
Mix a couple of table spoons of olive oil into the
flour then gradually add the water (you probably wont
need it all) until the flour turns to a dough which
leaves the sides of the bowl clean. I f you think it is
too sticky simply mix in some more flour.
Lightly
flour a surface turn the dough out onto it and knead until
bouncy and elastic. You will develop your own
style of kneading over time, and will learn how much
pressure to apply at the right times, if you have not
got a clue how to knead bread, basically give it a good
massage!
Return it to the bowl and cover with clingfilm or a damp
tea towel, so it is air tight, and leave in a warm place
until it has doubled in size, (I put mine in the oven
on the lowest possible temp).
Then give it another quick knead to get rid of the
air and divide into the portions you want, or
leave it whole and shape. Now add your toppings, these
are down to you, but a few suggestions are listed below.
You can incorporate them into the dough or stick them
into the top.
Spread the dough out into baking tins cover and leave to
rise again. Once it has risen take it and give it a poke
with all your fingers on both hands so as to create
little dents (1/2cm deep) pour on a good few table
spoons of olive oil give it another poke and place it in
the oven for about 15/20 mins at 210°c or until golden
brown. serve hot or cold.
Toppings
I like are:
Mixed herbs-try mixing them in with the oil at the end
for a crispy top.
Red onions and garlic-shoved into the top of the dough.
Any cheese-folded into the dough, with sun dried tomato
paste smeared on the top.
Try them, but absolutely anything will work.
Try this bread for a sandwich with rocket and a soft
cheese, brie or boursin etc, it's tongue lashingly good!
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