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You really can bake an incredible focaccia in such a short time.... what are you waiting for?

Just imagine the luscious aroma of that olive oil-rich bread wafting through your kitchen... that lovely rosemary, maybe some caramelized onions, a scattering of gorgonzola....YUM!

The dough comes together fast, then rises for an hour or so. You spread it out on a sheet pan, sprinkle on your toppings, and into the oven it goes.

Here's the basic recipe. Add whatever toppings seem right, or knead a few herbs or olives right into the dough.

Focaccia
6 cups flour
2 Tbsp instant yeast
1 Tbsp salt
2 ½ cups water, room temp
6 Tbsp olive oil

In a large bowl, mix 5 cups flour, instant yeast and salt. Make a well in the center and pour water and 3 Tbsp olive oil into it. Stir to mix, adding flour from the edges of the well until all is incorporated. When mixture begins to hold together, turn it out onto a work surface and knead until you have a smooth, firm dough. You may need to add up to 1 additional cup of flour if the dough is extremely sticky. Form dough into a ball.

Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides with oil. Cover with plastic or a towel and set in a warm place, free of drafts, until double in size, about an hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Generously oil a half sheet tray. With the heel of your hand, spread the dough onto the oiled pan. Let rest about 10 minutes, then spread on toppings, along with an additional 3 Tbsp of olive oil and a sprinkling of coarse salt. Put “dents” all over the dough with your fingertips, being careful not to poke all the way through. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until golden on both the top and bottom. Let cool briefly and cut into desired shapes.

Yield: ½ sheet

Topping ideas: Chopped fresh rosemary, sautéed red bell peppers, onions and olives, chopped green onions, caramelized onions, gorgonzola cheese, sautéed mushrooms, pancetta, walnuts, roasted garlic, artichoke hearts, goat cheese. If using cheese, add in the last 10 minutes of baking. If topping with tomato sauce and cheese, bake foccacia first until golden, then spread on sauce.