Honey Focaccia Bread

This is an easy recipe that we love to make here at Branch Creek. The Focaccia is light and fluffy, delicious on its own with plenty of butter and the perfect addition to warm soup on a cold day.

[ Prep time. approx. 4.5 hours including rising time. Cooking time 20 minutes at 220°C. ]

Ingredients:

For the dough

• 2 cups warm water

• 2 Tbsp honey (you can either our creamed or raw)

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

• 4 cups high-grade flour

• 1 tsp salt

• Olive oil

For the topping

• 2 Tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or fresh)

• 1/2 tsp dried parsley (or fresh)

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• Coarse sea salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

Method:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the warm water and honey, stirring until the honey dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit to proof for about 10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

3. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, pour it into the flour mixture. Mix until the dough forms a tight ball.

4. Drizzle olive oil around the edges of the dough and use your hands to coat the ball evenly lightly. This stops the dough sticking to the bowl as it rises.

5. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 3 hours, it should roughly double in size.

6. After rising, flour your hands and gently deflate the dough. Fold it over a couple of times to shape it, being careful not to over-knead.

7. Transfer the dough to a greased 20x30 cm baking dish, stretching it to fit the corners.

8. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.

9. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, herbs, and crushed garlic. Brush the mixture evenly over the dough but don’t worry if it pools in the dimples. Sprinkle the dough with coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper.

10. Cover the dough again and let it rise for an additional 45 minutes.

11. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Bake the focaccia for 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

12. Serve warm, with plenty of butter.

Note: Feel free to experiment with other toppings such as olives, cherry tomatoes, or cheese, and adjust herb quantities to your taste.