Loaded Focaccia

“I wanna raise your spirits. I want to see you smile” so I am pairing a simple, delicious focaccia and Marshmello’s “Happier”. This focaccia will make you happy – you can add toppings or strip it down to plain focaccia. It is great as a side to chilis, stews or soups. It is also great for brunch! I hope you enjoy it and it makes you “happier”.

Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Music Selection: Marshmello – Happier

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cup warm water

2 tsp sugar

1 pkg active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)

3 ½ cups flour

¼ c olive oil, plus more to drizzle (about another 2 Tbsp)

2 tsp sea salt, plus extra for top

2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary or oregano

1 head garlic

1 Tbsp olive oil

½ cup grated parmesan cheese or asiago cheese

15 kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Directions:

In small bowl, add warm water and sugar. Mix. Add yeast on top and give a quick stir. Let sit for 10 minutes until yeast is foamy.

In large mixing bowl, add flour and salt. Mix and leave well in middle. Pour in yeast and oil. With hands, knead the bread. Pour a little oil in your hands and rub all over outside of ball of dough. Cover and let rise for 45 – 60 minutes (double in size).

In interim, heat oven 400 deg. In foil, place garlic and coat with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Seal the foil and place in oven for 30 minutes. Let cool and remove garlic. Slice up garlic (or mash).

After dough has risen, knead it again and then roll it out into a rectangle about 8 inches by 12 inches (dough should be ½ inch thick). Place on baking sheet with parchment paper. Cover and let risk for another 20 minutes.

Once risen, poke fingers in dough to touch parchment. Sprinkle with salt. Then sprinkle evenly with garlic, then herbs then olives. Drizzle more olive oil on top at this point (use at least 2 Tbsp).