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Focaccia: Delicious and Easy Homemade Bread

Ingredients

  • 1 t yeast equal to one packet of the self-rising or quick-rise yeast from the store
  • 1 1/2 c warm water
  • 3 3/4 c flour
  • 1/8 c olive oil
  • 1/2 T salt
  • optional: sea salt rosemary, or other fresh herbs to top it off

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, proof the yeast in the warm water (explanation below).
  2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt; mix until combined and let rise in mixing bowl 1 hour.
  3. Press into baking pan (I just make a flat, round loaf on a cookie sheet) and let rise 1 hour.
  4. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes.
  5. optional: top with sea salt, rosemary, or other herbs while still hot

Recipe Notes

To proof yeast: mix packet of yeast into warm water and stir slightly. Wait and watch until yeast begins multiplying (it looks like a bubble of dough rising to the surface and growing as other bubbles appear next to it). If your yeast does not "proof" within a minute or two, add a teaspoon of sugar and give it a few more minutes.

To speed up rising time: place mixing bowl or baking sheet on top of (NOT IN!) a warm oven or place by a warm window. A little heat will make the dough rise more quickly.

To use as pizza dough, follow steps 1-3 (pressing especially firmly into your pizza pan), then add toppings as desired. Bake until cheese is bubbling and crust is lightly brown, ~20-25 minutes. One recipe will make 2 small to medium pizzas (depending on how thick you make your crust).