Focaccia With Parmesan and Herbs

Photo: flickr user me and the sysop

Ingredients

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons yeast

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 cup warm water

1 cup semolina

5 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs

(such as parsley, thyme, 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

1/2 cup olive oil

2 cups water

Preparation

For the Starter: In bowl, stir all starter ingredients together. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 15 minutes, or until yeast activates and begins producing bubbles.

For the Dough: Preheat convection oven to 400 degrees or standard oven to 500 degrees. Grease two 12- by 17-inch sheet pans.

In mixer with dough hook, mix semolina, flour, herbs, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Add starter, and slowly drizzle in olive oil and water.

Knead for 5 minutes, or until dough forms ball. Dough should be soft, but if not, add more water. If too wet, sprinkle in more flour. Divide dough in half. If using only one sheet pan, freeze half the dough.

Pat dough out 1/2-inch thick onto greased sheet pan. Set aside to proof for 2 to 3 hours.

Using fingers, make indentations in dough. Set aside to rest for 30 minutes more. Leave dough plain or sprinkle with additional olive oil, herbs and Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Bread is done when crust is golden. Cool before slicing.

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Wine Suggestion: Try an organic Pinot Gris from Alsace, such as Rene Mure, or a red Spanish wine from Ribera del Duero, a region in Spain.

Description: "This rustic Italian country bread is versatile enough to grace most casual meals."