Bread Wonderful Bread

One of the most enticing aromas in the home comes from baking bread. It some how beacons to everyone calling them to the kitchen. When the hot fresh loaves are drawn out of the oven, we can hardly wait for it to cool. Often we take the risk personal injury of burned fingers just to get that first hot morsel of buttered bread into our mouths. Mmmmm.........

Bread is a staple for the table in so many countries. The different grains, textures and flavors create are as endless as the baking methods. Limited resources or supplies can not stop one from creating a wonderful and flavorful bread. This is one of my favorite days of class when we create beautiful artisial breads.

Focaccia Bread





Focaccia Bread
"A wonderful, quick alternative to garlic bread. Lots of herbs and lots of flavor!" 
Original recipe yield: 1 focaccia.

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella

1. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, sugar, yeast, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil and black pepper. Mix in the vegetable oil and water.
2. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Punch dough down; place on greased baking sheet. Pat into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle. Brush top with olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.