Tried It Out Thursday: Basil Foccacia

I have always wanted to make foccacia bread so when I found this recipe over at Alli n Son (she has some amazing recipes) it looked so delicious. I had to try it out.  It was great!! We got so excited to eat it that I forgot to take a picture once it was cut!! Sorry my bad!

Basil Foccacia

from Alli n Son
1 cup warm water
3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
1 teaspoon salt {sea salt is best}
1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons yeast

Topping
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

In a small bowl whisk together the flour, dried basil and salt. In the bowl of a large mixer with a dough hook combine the water, olive oil and yeast. Set speed to 2 and slowly add the flour mixture. Once the mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl and forms a ball, mix at speed 2-3 for 10 minutes.
   
While the dough is mixing preheat the oven to 200º for 10 minutes. Then turn it off. The oven does not have to reach this temperature, but it will help your dough rise.
After the dough has finished mixing, place it a bowl coated with non-stick spread and cover with plastic or a lid. Place in the warmed oven for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen punch it down by kneading it once.

Spread on a cookie sheet with non-stock spray. Using your hands gently stretch and press the dough to fit evenly into the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise again in the warmed oven for 30-40 minutes, until doubled again.
Remove pan from the oven and preheat to 375º.
Using two fingers poke holes (don’t actually poke all the way through) into the dough. In a small bowl combine the olive oil and garlic. Drizzle it over the top of the dough. Sprinkle with cheese and extra basil if desired..

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Alli says, " It is best served slightly warm with your favorite soup or salad, or as a side to pasta. It also makes a killer grilled cheese sandwich." 
*She uses 1 teaspoon dried rosemary instead of basil.

Thanks Alli!!