Garden Focaccia

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Dissolve the yeast in the water; let stand for 3 to 5 minutes until a thin layer of tiny bubbles forms on top.

2. 2

   Put the sugar, both oils, salt, and flour in a stand-mixer bowl. Fit the mixer with a dough hook.

3. 3

   Add in the activated yeast mixture. Stir at low speed until the dough starts to form. Increase the speed to medium-high; knead the dough for 6 minutes until the dough is smooth. Remove the dough, coat the bowl lightly with olive oil. Return the dough to the bowl; turn the dough to coat with oil and cover with plastic wrap and let rise until almost doubled.

4. 4

   Punch the dough down; let rise again until almost doubled.

5. 5

   While the dough is rising the second time, prepare your vegetables for decorating the top of the focaccia.

6. 6

   Preheat your oven to 400ºF.

7. 7

   Using a fine grater, grate the garlic into the oil. Stir to combine.

8. 8

   Remove the dough to an oiled 1/4-sheet rectangular baking sheet and press into the corners of the sheet evenly. For a round loaf, oil a 1/2-sheet rectangular pan and press into a 12-inch circle. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes.

9. 9

   Remove the plastic wrap and use your fingers to make divots in the dough. Spoon the garlic oil mixture evenly over the dough.

10. 10

    Decorate the dough with your prepared herbs and vegetables into your favorite floral design. Spray the vegetables lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with Maldon or course sea salt. Let the dough sit for 20 to 30 minutes.

11. 11

    Bake for 20 to 25 minutes turning half-way through. The focaccia should be brown, and the vegetables begin to char.