Bills Focaccia Bread Recipes

Steps:

• Combine the warm water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Put the bowl in a warm, not hot or cool, place until the yeast is bubbling and aromatic, at least 15 minutes.
• In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1/2 cup olive oil and the yeast mixture on low speed. Once the dough has come together, continue to knead for 5 to 6 minutes on a medium speed until it becomes smooth and soft. Give it a sprinkle of flour if the dough is really sticky and tacky.
• Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface, then knead it by hand 1 or 2 times. Again, give it another sprinkle of flour if the dough is really sticky and tacky.
• Coat the inside of the mixer bowl lightly with olive oil and return the dough to the bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and put it in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size, at least 1 hour.
• Coat a jelly roll pan with the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil. (Chef's Note: This may seem excessive, but focaccia is an oily crusted bread. This is why it is soooooooooo delicious!).
• Put the dough onto the jelly roll pan and begin pressing it out to fit the size of the pan. Turn the dough over to coat the other side with the olive oil. Continue to stretch the dough to fit the pan. As you are doing so, spread your fingers out and make finger holes all the way through the dough. (Chef's Note: Yes, this is strange. But when the dough rises again it will create the characteristic craggy looking focaccia. If you do not make the actual holes in the dough, the finished product will be very smooth.)
• Put the dough in the warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour. While the dough is rising a second time, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Liberally sprinkle the top of the focaccia with some coarse sea salt and lightly drizzle a little oil on top. Bake the dough until the top of the loaf is golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool before cutting and serving.
• Oh baby!

Steps:

• Tip the flour into a large mixing bowl. Mix the yeast into one side of the flour, and the fine salt into the other side. Then mix everything together, this initial seperation prevents the salt from killing the yeast.
• Make a well in the middle of the flour and add 2 tbsp oil and 350-400ml lukewarm water, adding it gradually until you have a slightly sticky dough (you may not need all the water). Sprinkle the work surface with flour and tip the dough onto it, scraping around the sides of the bowl. Knead for 5-10 mins until your dough is soft and less sticky. Put the dough into a clean bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for 1 hr until doubled in size.
• Oil a rectangle, shallow tin (25 x 35cm). Tip the dough onto the work surface, then stretch it to fill the tin. Cover with a tea towel and leave to prove for another 35-45 mins.
• Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Press your fingers into the dough to make dimples. Mix together 1½ tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp water and the flaky salt and drizzle over the bread. Push sprigs of rosemary into the dimples in the dough.
• Bake for 20 mins until golden. Whilst the bread is still hot, drizzle over 1-2 tbsp olive oil. Cut into squares and serve warm or cold with extra olive oil, if you like.

Steps:

• Put ingredients in machine in order above.
• Set to"dough" setting.
• When it is ready, cut the dough in half, spread into circles on baking sheets or pizza pans.
• Brush lightly with olive oil.
• Sprinkle on: garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, basil, rosemary, feta or parmesan cheese (or both!) and a little coarse salt.
• Bake in an oven preheated to 450°F for 10- 12 minutes.
• Enjoy with soup, cheese or Italian style with balsamic vinegar and olive oil (equal parts) swirled in a saucer.

Steps:

• Grease a cookie sheet and set aside. In a large bowl combine flour mixture with yeast, stir in hot water, butter and egg.
• Combine until the dough pulls away from the sides of bowl.
• Turn dough onto a floured board and kneed for 5 minutes until smooth, place dough into the bowl and let rise for 5 minutes.
• Place the dough onto the greased cookie sheet and mold into a circle, cover loosely with greased plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
• Heat oven to 375 degrees, uncover dough and with the handle of a wooden spoon poke holes in the dough. Dribble with olive oil and sprinkle with the rosemary leaves.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
• When the bread is completley cooled cut in half and begin to assemble the filling above or of your choice, replace bread lid.
• Cut into 6 or 8 portions. Serve with soup, salad or chips.