Italian Style Foccacia Bread

I first learned how to make this bread when I was working in a bakery on a small island between Sweden and Denmark, called Ven. It's a beautiful place, definitely worth a visit. This delicious bread is easy to make, and goes well with any soup or pasta dish.Will take you 1 1/2 hours to make (including the time for the bread to rest). This recipe gives 10-12 foccacia bread.


You need:

1 package dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 dl (little less than 1 cup) warm water 100 degrees F/37'C
5-6 dl (2- 2 1/2) cups all-purpose-flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon salt


Topping:
Olive oil
dry rosemary
sea salt

Instructions:

1. Heat water to approx 100 F (37C). Add yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, mix and let it stand for 10 min so the yeast becomes active. (Tip: Yeast likes the same temperature as you, if you dip your finger in the water you should not burn your finger - then it's too hot!).

2. In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with half of the flour; stir well to combine. Add olive oil, honey and salt.

3. Add the rest of the flour. Make sure you don't add it all at once, rather add it slowly. Kneed the dough by hand until it becomes smooth 5-10 min, or in a baking machine until the dough looks firm and smooth. (Tip: It's better to add too little flour than too much. It's easier to adjust the amount of flour after you have let the dough rise).

4. Let the dough rest for 30 min in room temperature. Cover with a baking towel.

5.  Kneed the dough for 1 min. Add some more flour if the dough is too sticky. Cut the dough into 10 -12 pieces. Make a flat bun with your hands, dimple it with your fingertips (Tip: the less you work the dough at this stage the better. If overworked the buns tends to become harder).

6.  Place the buns on an over-plate covered with a baking sheet. Make sure you have enough space between the buns to let them rise. Sprinkle olive oil, seasalt and rosemary on top of the buns. Let the buns rest for 30 more min. Preheat the oven 437 F (225 C).

7. Bake for 10-12 min, or until golden brown.

Enjoy!