Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Focaccia Bread & Pizza Dough

This recipe is wonderful!  I can't normally do bread, but I can do this! Just follow the directions and it'll turn out great!  I also use this recipe for pizza crust and it turns out perfect!  See final note on how to alter the recipe for pizza crust.

Bread:
1 pkg yeast or 2-1/4 t
1-1/8 c warm water
2-3/4 c flour
1 t salt
1 T Italian seasoning
1 T olive oil

Toppings: (these are just ideas, top with what you would like best)
Onion - chopped
Tomatoes - sliced and salted
Olives- sliced
Oregano
Parmesean cheese

You'll also need 1/2 c olive oil.
1) Dissolve Yeast in 1/4 c warm water and let sit until it starts to bubble
2) Combine flour, Italian seasoning, and salt in kitchen aid mixer with the dough hook. (or you can start in a food processor)  Slowly add water/yeast mixture to flour and mix slowly until it comes together.  You may need to add a little flour or water to make it the right consistency.  (If using food processor, you will need to take it out and knead it by hand after adding yeast/water.  Use as little flour as possible)  Knead or mix until dough is round and soft, but a little sticky.
3) Coat a big bowl with 1T olive oil.  Put dough in bowl and turn over so all sides are covered in oil. Seal with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place until doubles. (To speed this part, I usually preheat my oven to 170, and once it gets warm, I turn the oven off and put the dough in)
4) Coat bottom and sides of pan. ( I use a pizza pan, you can also use a jelly roll pan or 9x13) Deflate risen dough and press into pan.
5) Press dough evenly on pan.  If dough will not stretch, let it rest for 30 seconds and try again.  Press veggies into dough and seasonings you wish to use.  Let rise uncovered for 20 minutes. Preheat over to 425. Put baking stone in if you have one (I don't use one and it always turns out fine)  Dimple the dough with your fingers by pressing on it. Sprinkle with salt, then bake for 20 minutes, rotate the pan and bake 20 minutes more.

Pizza Crust:
If you wish to use this as pizza crust, follow the recipe through point 4.  (I usually leave 1/4 of the dough out for bread sticks, just roll it out on a separate pan, but don't roll it too thin. top with olive oil, garlic salt, and cheese and bake along with the pizza)  Once the dough is pressed into the pan, you can top with sauce, and any pizza toppings you wish.  Brush the exposed crust with olive oil.  Bake at 425 for about 15-20 minutes, or until it starts to brown on top.

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