Cornmeal Focaccia Food

CORNBREAD FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Combine rapid-rise yeast, warm water and sugar in a small bowl and let stand 5 minutes.
• Stir together 2 cups flour and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl; stir in yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons oil until well blended (dough will be sticky). Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 3 to 5 minutes). Place in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand 15 minutes.
• Sprinkle cornmeal onto well greased baking sheet. Place dough on baking sheet and roll into a 12-inch square (I usually roll it a little larger), sprinkling with flour as needed to prevent sticking (about 1 tablespoon). Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts for 45 minutes.
• Preheat oven 400 degrees. Brush dough with balsamic vinegar. Gentilly press end of a wooden spoon into top of dough, forming indentions. Top with tomatoes, garlic and cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil.
• Bake 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden and cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes and cut into squares.

HERBED FOCACCIA BREAD

Steps:

• Add ingredients for the dough according to bread machine directions.
• Select dough cycle.
• Remove dough to lightly floured surface; cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Grease a 13x9 inch pan and sprinkle with cornmeal.
• Press dough evenly in pan.
• Drizzle with oil, and scatter remaining topping ingredients evenly over dough.
• Cover with towel and let rise in warm place until doubled, 30-40 minutes.
• Poke deep holes with finger in risen dough about 1 inch apart.
• Bake at 400ºF on lower oven rack for 20-25 minutes, or until golden.
• Remove from pan, and serve warm.

CORNMEAL FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Place the warm water in the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with the dough hook. Sprinkle the dry yeast over the water; stir. Let stand until the yeast dissolves, bubbles, and proofs, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add 4 cups of the flour, cornmeal, salt, and chopped rosemary and stir on low to combine. Add an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of the remaining flour and knead on medium speed until smooth.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic, 5 to 7 minutes. Form the dough into a ball.
• Place 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large bowl; add the dough, turning to coat in oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 475°F. Brush a 18 x 13-inch rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil. Punch down the dough and transfer to the prepared sheet. Using your fingertips, press out the dough to fit the pan. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Let the dough rise, uncovered, in a warm place until puffy, about 30 minutes.
• Dimple the dough with your fingertips, forming indentations. Top with the sliced tomatoes and onion and season with salt and pepper. Scatter the rosemary sprigs around and press lightly into the dough. Bake until brown and crusty, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• When proofing bread in a cool, drafty kitchen, I often turn my microwave into a makeshift proofing box. I boil water in a microwave-safe measuring cup for a couple of minutes to heat the microwave and create steam (don't remove the cup of water). I then place my bowl of dough in the microwave and quickly shut the door. This creates a warm, draft-free spot for the bread to rise.