Baking in Italy:: Delicious Focaccia

If you follow along on Instagram, you might have noticed that I have made a lot of focaccia this summer. Focaccia is the perfect marriage of fluffiness and crispiness. It's such a delicious part of meals here in Italy and is versatile too. You can use it for sandwiches or keep it simple. I love to use focaccia as an appetizer with olive spread, Parmesan cheese, Parma ham, and a crisp summer rose wine. It's the perfect start to a perfect evening.You can find the story behind focaccia, along with several yummy cocktails to serve with it, in Cocktail Italiano.

FocacciaServes 4

You will need:- 3 cups double zero flour (super fine flour)- 1 package dry yeast- 1/3 cup warm water- 1 cup water- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil + 1 teaspoon for the cookie sheet + 3 tablespoons for finishing before baking, 1 tablespoon to finish after baking- 2 tablespoons coarse salt + 1 teaspoon for finishingTo prepare:Place the yeast in a small bowl with 1/3 cups water and let proof in a large bowl. put flour and oil and salt and water, combine until it forms a sticky dough, it should be very sticky. Flour your surface and turn the dough onto floured surface. knead gently for a minute until dough forms a soft dough.On an oiled cookie sheet with a lip, spread the dough out to fit the cookie sheet. With your index fingers poke dimples into the top of the dough.Let rest for 30 minutes, then repeat by poking dimples into the risen dough, and let rest for 30 minutes.Before placing in the oven, drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon coarse salt.Bake at 400 for 30 minutes. Remove sprinkle with 1 tablespoon olive oil cool and eat warm or at room temperature. The key is to let the oil soak in as the focaccia cools.