Focaccia

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Whenever I go to a restaurant my sister and I are always waiting for the waiter to bring us bread, yeah we are bread addicts, everytime the waiter puts the bread basket in front of us we literally attack it, but there's nothing we love more than going to an italian restaurant and eating warm focaccia dipped in balsamic vinegar and olive oil it's the best thing ever. So I decided to make focaccia but my mom made the dough earlier (again) so I don't have photos of the process but here's the recipe and helpful tips

- 2 1/2 c. of flour
- 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 c. warm water
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast

1. In a large bowl mix 1c. of flour, sugar, yeast, salt and rosemary then add olive oil and warm water. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes stirring enough remainig flour until the dough is soft. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth, adding more flour if necessary.

2. Place dough in amedium bowl with olive oil, cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for an hour, when it rises deflate the dough and divide it in two shapping each half like a giant cookie, put it in a prepared pan, add some olive oil on top and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise for the second time.

[ this is how it looks when it rises completely for the second time ]

3. Make some small holes with your fingers and drizzle some more olive oil, brushing it gently.

4. At this point you can either bake it like that and add some basil leaves when it is done or you can put black olives and pink salt (you can use regular salt, I was just experimenting and it turned out quite good). I made both and they were delicious with unique flavors.

[ Pink salt and black olives ]

[ Fresh basil leaves ]

5. Bake them at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

6. If this wasn't enough and you want to add something more (like I did) you can make a balsamic vinaigrette by mixing 1/4c. of balsamiv vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of basil, 1/4 teaspoon of chilli flakes and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Dip focaccia in the vinaigrette and enjoy!