Focaccia Bread

This isn't my own recipe - it's just out of the book that came with my bread machine, but it is wonderful! I love to make this bread to serve with soup or salads, or use it to make a wonderful Italian sandwich. It also makes a great Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich - you basically make a Caesar salad with chicken and then put it on the bread for a sandwich. Also a great bread option if you're serving an Italian meal. Yummy!!



Focaccia Bread
1 cup water (80 degrees F)
1/3 cup olive oil
2 t. sugar
1 t. salt
3 cups bread flour
1 1/2 t. active dry yeast

Layer ingredients in bread machine and use the dough program. After the first rise, add 1 t. dried Italian seasoning. After program is complete, press dough evenly into a greased 9x13 inch pan, using oiled hands. Using your fingertips, make indentations in the dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until almost double in size. While the dough is rising, prepare the topping.

Topping:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 cup minced garlic
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 t. salt

In a skillet, heat olive oil. Stir in oregano and garlic, then immediately remove from heat.

Once dough has doubled in size, use fingers to press dimples into dough again. Spoon topping mixture evenly over dough. Sprinkle with remaining ingredients. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes or until done.