FOCACCIA BREAD MACHINE RECIPES

Steps:

• Place all of the above ingredients, accurately measured and in the order I have listed them, in the Bread Machine.
• Select the 'dough' cycle.
• When the cycle is complete, take the dough out of the Bread Machine, and proceed with the following steps: On a lightly floured surface, gently knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
• (you may need to add extra flour during this time) Place the 'Focaccia' dough in a well grease bowl, cover and leave to rise in a warm (and draught free) place for about 1/2 an hour.
• Then, knead the dough lightly (in the bowl) for about 1 minute.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangular shape (about 20 cm x 30 cm)
• Place on a well greased baking tray (or sponge roll tin) and leave to rise again, in a warm place, this time for about 1 hour (or until it has doubled in it's original size) Now pour and smooth over with your fingers, 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• 'Poke' the dough with 2 fingers at intervals over the surface, and sprinkle liberally with rock salt or equal measurements of olive oil and Basil pesto mixed together with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, top with chopped up sun-dried tomatoes and sliced black olives!
• YUM!
• Bake at 225°C for about 15 minutes or until golden brown!

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.