Focaccia

This month, the Daring Bakers were challenged by April from Pizzarosa and Sawson from Chef In Disguise to make focaccia.  I have never made this Italian rustic bread before, so I was excited.  I decided to go with the classic version and bake a focaccia with rosemary and sea salt sprinkled on top.  It was so delicious–crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, with tastes of rosemary, salt, and olive oil.  What I loved most about making this focaccia, however, was kneading the dough.  Kneading bread dough can be quite a task, but once you fall into its rhythm it becomes very meditative.  It’s also magical–I love how an annoyingly sticky, wet mess can transform into a beautifully smooth ball of dough all within 10 minutes.  I must remember to bake more bread.  I think it’s good for me.   Continue reading →