Herbed Focaccia Bread

Begin by taking your yeast and adding it to the warm water. Wait about 10 minutes or so and you will notice the yeast will get nice and bubbly. This is what you are looking for.

During this activation process, add the flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to a large mixing bowl. Now add in the activated yeast. Mix as well as you can with a wooden spoon. Once it comes together, get your hands in there (yes, you will get the dough fingers) and begin working the dough for a few minutes. Add a bit more water if need be. You want the dough to become a bit smooth and almost elastic.

Once you achieve that texture, take another large bowl, and add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the ball of dough and toss to coat the entire ball of dough. Cover with a towel and place in a warm place in the house for nearly 2 hours, or until it has risen and doubled in size.

When the dough has risen, make a fist and punch it down. Next, get a baking sheet out, brush another tablespoon of olive oil on the bottom of the sheet, and add the dough, shaping it into the form of the sheet. Take your thumb and begin making imprints into the dough. Do this for the entire sheet of dough. Take the remaining olive oil and brush on the top of the dough.

Preheat your oven to 425ºF.

Take the dried herbs, remaining salt and pepper, and mix it in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the dough. Place in the preheated oven and cook for about 25 minutes. Once golden brown, remove from the oven, let cool, and cut into large squares.

Serve as is, or if you want to make a sandwich, slice a square in half and top with your favorite sandwich ingredients.

Simple, tasty, and delicious. A great snack, or better yet, an excellent flat bread for an awesome sandwich. Enjoy.