Focaccia Bread

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Makes 24 squares

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (use high quality olive oil)
  • 2 2/3 to 3 cups of All Purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup fontina cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red or yellow bell peppers, roasted, skinned and thinly sliced

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water and let stand for 5 minutes.

Stir in sugar, salt and oil. Add 2 cups flour and mix to blend. Beat an additional 5 minutes (an electric mixer or food processor can be used)

Stir in about 2/3 cup more flour to make a soft dough. Add extra flour if needed. Turn out dough on a lightly floured board. Knead until smooth, about 6 minutes.

Place in greased bowl and let rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in size. Punch down dough.

Roll out dough to fit a 12x17 jelly roll pan. Place in pan; sprinkle surface with cheese, basil and peppers. Let rest for 15 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Cut into 24 squares.