Decorated Focaccia Recipe

Measure the 300ml of warm water into a jug or bowl, add the yeast and sugar and mix gently, then set aside for a moment. Sieve the flour into a large mixing bowl and add a generous teaspoon of sea salt (if you don’t have sea salt, use half a teaspoon of fine salt). Mix together, then make a well in the centre of the bowl. Dust your work surface, ready for kneading the dough, and use kitchen paper to lightly oil the inside of a clean mixing bowl. The yeast mixture should be looking frothy by now; pour it slowly and steadily into the well in the flour, using clean hands to mix it in until everything comes together. Next, lift the dough out on to the dusted surface and knead it thoroughly for about 5 minutes, until you have a smooth dough. Put the dough into the oiled bowl and dust it with a little flour, then cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave it in a warm place for at least an hour, until the dough has doubled in size (if you like, you can put the dough in the fridge to prove overnight instead, so it’s ready to decorate the next day).

Lightly oil a baking tray (one with sides). When the dough has risen, lift it out of the bowl and on to the work surface and knead it vigorously again for a minute or so. Put the dough on the oiled baking tray and spread it out, pushing and stretching with your hands to get it into the corners. Using the tips of your fingers, press into the top of the dough, working across the top to make lots of little dips.

Now add your decoration, pressing the toppings gently on to the dough and giving them a gentle brush-over with a light layer of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt when you’re done. Your design can be as simple or complicated as you like. If you’re not sure where to start, flowers are a good option. Ideas might include:
• Chives or slender spring onions, used as flower stems
• Parsley, coriander and basil sprigs – all perfect for stems/leaves
• Thinly-sliced cherry tomatoes, thin rings of red onion, thin slices of red, yellow or green peppers for petals and flowers (olives and capers are good as flower centres), or used to make butterflies and insects
• Rosemary and thyme can represent smaller plants or extra foliage
• Pepperoni, sundried tomatoes, pieces or small piles of grated cheese and even anchovies can all be cut into small shapes and incorporated in your design

Leave your decorated focaccia in a warm place to prove for a further 35 minutes (towards the end of this time, preheat the oven to 220°C (Gas Mark 7)). Put the focaccia into the hot oven, then bake for about 20 minutes until golden on top. Allow to cool a little, then serve and enjoy!