Herbed Focaccia Bread Art

Simple and beautiful!

We've been wanting to try this for a long time, and now we're sorry we haven't made this recipe sooner! So easy, just a bit of prep the evening before and a quick walk through the garden before baking, and you've got yourself a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for your next party!

Herbed Focaccia Bread Art

Ingredients

• 2 cups hot water, divided

• 1 tbs honey (granulated sugar is ok)

• 1 packet active dry yeast

• 3/4 cup olive oil, divided

• 1 tsp salt

• 5 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbs flaky salt

• herbs, flowers, veggies, meats for topping

Directions

1. Mix together yeast packet, ONE cup of hot water and honey in large bowl or bowl of stand mixer. Let stand for approximately 5 minutes.

2. Add one cup of flour to the yeast mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.

3. Gently add remaining cup of water, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and half of the remaining flour. Mix on low speed until combined.

4. Slowly add in remaining flour, mixing gently until soft dough begins to form and pull away from sides of bowl.

5. Drizzle about 1 tbs of olive oil in large bowl to coat it, and turn dough into bowl.

6. Cover bowl with lid or wrap and allow to stand in a warm place for 2 hours, or until dough double in size.

7. Coat 11" x 17" baking sheet with a generous layer of olive oil. Use your hands, as you'll want them oily, too!

8. Turn dough out onto baking sheet and stretch to size. If it shrinks back, let it rest for a few minutes and stretch again. Don't worry about getting it even or reaching every side. This is meant to be rustic.

9. Cover with wrap and put in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 8 hours.

10. Remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

11. Drizzle the dough with remaining olive oil and dimple the surface with your fingertips.

12. Heat over to 450 degrees F.

13. Gather flowers, herbs, sliced vegetables, and arrange on the surface of the dough. Gently press each piece into the dough.

14. Coat decorative additions with more olive oil to prevent scorching.

15. Bake at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until bread begins to brown.

This bread is delicious served alone, but is even better when served with a herbed olive oil or dipping sauce.