Easy Focaccia Bread

Ingredients

Toppings

This bread is very easy to make. The only hassle is that it needs a bit of time to rise (and the kneading). But it is well worth it!

1. Mix the Yeast & Sugar with the 1/4 Cup of the warm tap water and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes, it will bubble and become frothy, this is necessary as it lets you know the yeast is good. If it doesn’t, ditch it, it wont be good.
2. Mix the Flour, Salt & Herbs together in a large bowl.
3. When the Yeast mix is ready add to the Flour mix with the Olive Oil & the remaining 3/4 of a cup of Warm Water and knead into a dough.
4. Cover the bowl with cling film and a kitchen towel and leave in a warm place in the kitchen to rise for at least 1- 2 hours or it doubles in size.
5. After the dough has doubled poke it with  your finger, if the dough does not spring back and the hole remains it is ready for the next step.
6. Dust the counter with flour and start kneading the Dough (this is the hard work part) Knead this dough for 10 minutes, you can punch it, slap it on the counter or roll it around with the base of your palm, just keep it moving and it starts to get smoother and shinier.
7. You should have a smooth ball shaped Dough.
8. Heat the Oven to 400 Degrees.
9. Line a 1/2 baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle with a little Olive Oil.
10. Press, stretch and flatten the Dough to the edges of the pan.
11. Cover and let rise again for about 20-40 minutes.
12. When the Dough has risen the 2nd time poke holes all over the Dough with the stem of a mixing spoon.
13. Sprinkle with Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper and add a little more dried Herb and Parmesan Cheese.
14. Place in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
15. Pour some Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar in a shallow plate with some dried Herbs for dipping.