Faithful reader, I have a confession to make. I call myself a baker, but I had never made bread. I had only used yeast on a small handful of occassions to make a sweet dough, and lacked the confidence to bake. Yes, I called myself a baker, yet I hid away from bread.
It was only after watching The Great British Bake Off, and watching Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry’s guidance and tips, that I felt I could tackle it. I was further inspired by my friend Lauren, who helped steer me in the direction of a wonderful recipe for a white loaf. That I will share in the future. Today I share my Herb and Garlic
Foccacia.
It was simple and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the results. When I took it out of the oven and tapped the bottom to find not only was it firm (no sign of a soggy bottom in my kitchen) but it also made a hollow sound when I tapped it – I danced around the kitchen in jubilation.
A weight was lifted as I confronted something I was long afraid to try. Would anyone else care to share their kitchen shame?
The dough:
I used the recipe previously published by Alex.
Garnish to taste
- dried herbs (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme)
- salt
- oil
Method:
Preheat oven to 220C.
Roll out each piece to vaguely resemble a rectangle. Make little dimples in the dough with your fingers and garnish to your taste.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. I tapped the bottom to make sure it made a hollow sound.
Enjoy while warm. I served with fresh hummus!
A Tale of Two Kitchens 