Best Potato Focaccia Recipes

POTATO ROSEMARY FOCACCIA

Steps:

• In a small bowl sprinkle the yeast over 1 cup warm water and let it proof for 5 minutes, or until it is foamy. In a large bowl combine well 4 cups of the flour with the mashed potatoes and the salt until the mixture resembles coarse meal, add the yeast mixture, and stir the dough until it is combined well. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it, incorporating as much of the remaining 1/2 cup flour as necessary to prevent it from sticking, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, put it in an oiled bowl, and turn it to coat it with the oil. Let the dough rise, covered with plastic wrap, in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours, or until it is double in bulk. While the dough is rising, in a small bowl stir together the garlic, the rosemary, and the oil and let the mixture stand, covered. Turn the dough out into a well-oiled 15 1/2- by 10 1/2-inch jelly-roll pan, press it evenly into the pan, and let it rise, covered loosely, in a warm place for 45 minutes or less, or until it is almost double in bulk. Using a mandoline or hand-held slicer cut the red potatoes into paper-thin slices, arrange the slices on the dough, overlapping them, and brush them with the oil mixture, discarding the garlic. Sprinkle the focaccia with salt and pepper to taste and bake it in the bottom third of a preheated 400°F. oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it is golden. Let the focaccia cool in the pan on a rack and serve it warm or at room temperature.

POTATO FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Combine the yeast, sugar, and milk in the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add 1/2 cup of the flour. Stir well, cover with a towel, and let rest in a warm place for 25 minutes.
• Mix in the olive oil, salt, and 1 cup of flour, until well incorporated. Add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough adheres to the hook. It should remain soft and slightly sticky. Continue mixing for about 6 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Remove from the bowl, shape the dough into a ball, flatten slightly, and put into an oiled bowl. Turn to coat. Cover the bowl with a towel and put in a warm place for about 1 hour, to let the dough rise until doubled.
• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook slowly until very crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Reserve the pancetta and fat separately.
• Put the potatoes in cold salted water, cover, and bring to a boil. Cook about 8 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and place in a bowl.
• Pour the pancetta fat over the warm potatoes, add the crisped pancetta, 1 teaspoon of the rosemary, salt and pepper to taste, and the lemon zest. Toss well and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Oil a baking sheet.
• Lightly flour the dough and punch it down. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly until smooth. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 12 by 10 inches. Brush off any excess flour and transfer to the oiled baking sheet. Brush the dough with olive oil and leave to rise for 30 minutes.
• Sprinkle the potato mixture onto the dough and press it in with the flat of your hand. Press your fingers into the dough to make evenly spaced indentations all over the surface, being careful not to puncture or tear the dough. Scatter the remaining rosemary over the dough.
• Bake for about 25 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and the bread is crisp on the bottom. Let cool in the pan to room temperature. Cut into squares, "fingers," or triangles to serve.

" SWEET LIFE" SWEET POTATO FOCACCIA

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, stir together warm water, honey & yeast. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add olive oil, rosemary, Italian spice, sweet potatoes, salt, ww flour & Italian-style flour. Stir vigorously for about 2 minutes. Gradually stir in enough ap flour to make a soft dough.
• Turn out on lightly floured surface and knead in enough of the remaining ap flour to make a workable dough. Knead 5 to 8 minutes. Dough will be sticky but workable. Place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover. Let rise 1 1/2 hours in a warm place; alternatively cover dough & refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.
• Allow dough to warm at least 30 minutes before shaping. .
• Line a 18 x 13 1 inch pan with parchment paper & sprinkle with cornmeal. Gently press dough over the cornmeal dusted paper, stretching dough into a 15 x 11 x 1 inch rectangle. Cover dough & let rise 15 to 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Dimple the dough vigorously with your fingertips, leaving up to 1/2 inch deep indentations. Sprinkle garlic, rosemary, Asiago cheese, black pepper & cayenne pepper over top. Drizzle with olive oil; sprinkle with coarse salt.
• Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

NEW POTATO & ROSEMARY FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 15 mins, then drain and leave to cool completely. Meanwhile, boil the kettle.
• Pour 175ml boiling water and 100ml cold water into a large bowl. Sprinkle over the yeast, 1 tsp salt and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix well, then stir in the flour, adding a splash more water if the mixture feels too dry.
• Turn out the dough onto a clean work surface and knead for 15 mins until smooth and elastic (dust the surface with a little flour if the dough is sticky), then shape into a ball. Grease the inside of a large bowl with olive oil, then add the dough to the bowl and turn a few times to coat in the oil. Cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for 1 hr or until doubled in size.
• Grease a large roasting tin (about 26cm x 35cm) with olive oil and dust with a little flour. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Carefully stretch out the dough to fit the tin, pressing it into the corners. Cut the cooked potatoes into wedges and tuck them into the dough at regular intervals, along with sprigs of rosemary, and scatter a few sprigs over the top. Cover the tin with cling film and leave to prove for another 45 mins. Remove the cling film, pour over 3 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle over a little salt. Bake in the oven for 30-35 mins or until the bread is golden and the potatoes are browning lightly.
• When the bread is cooked, remove it from the oven and quickly drizzle over another 3 tbsp olive oil while it's still hot. Leave to cool for 10 mins, then turn out onto a board, slice and serve.

SIMPLE POTATO AND ROSEMARY FOCACCIA

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, yeast, salt and 1 tbsp of olive oil, and mix in enough water to form a soft dough (you may not need all the water).
• Knead lightly, cover with plastic wrap, and leave to rise for about 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.
• Lightly oil a large baking tray.
• Place the dough in the middle, and work it out to the edges to form a square or rectangle.
• Top the dough with the uncooked potato slices and the rosemary, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with the remaining oil.
• Bake for 50 minutes, covering if the focaccia is getting too brown.

POTATO FOCACCIA PUGLIESE

Steps:

• Mix the flour, salt and yeast in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre, add the oil and water, then mix well. If the dough seems a little stiff, add 1-2 tbsp water, mix again, then put on a lightly floured work surface and knead well. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Leave to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
• Remove from the bowl, knock back the dough, then spread out with your hands onto a large, oiled baking tray 20cm x 30cm. Brush with olive oil and make deep indentations with your fingers. Layer the potatoes and rosemary leaves over the top and drizzle with a little more oil. Leave to prove for 1 hour until doubled in size.
• Heat oven to 230C/fan 210C/gas 8. Sprinkle the dough with a little rock salt, if you like. Bake the bread for 30 mins until it is golden, the potatoes are tender and it sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Drizzle the loaf with more olive oil, if you like and, when cooled, serve on the tray.

FOCACCIA BREAD W/POTATO DOUGH

Steps:

• 1. FOR THE DOUGH: Bring 1 quart of water to a boi in a small saucepan. Add peeled, quartered potato and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain the potato, cool until you're able to handle it. Then press it through a ricer or the large holes of a box grater to measure 1 1/2 cups total. Potato should be lightly packed when measuring.
• 2. While potato cools, use a standing mixer bowl and add yeast, 1/2 cup of the warm water and 1/2 cup of the flour Mix well with a wire whip. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let sit for 20 minutes. Mixture will be bubbly.
• 3. Add the remaining ingredients of flour, oil, salt and the last 1/2 cup of the warm water. Mix on low speed using the paddle attachment until dough comes together in the bowl. Switch out to the dough hook and mix on medium/medium high speed for approximately 5 minutes. Dough will be very wet. Remove the dough hook and cover the bowl again with plastic. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
• 4. Prepare a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch rimmed cookie sheet by drizzling a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Generously oil the pan and the sides. Transfer the wet dough into the pan and begin shaping the dough to fit the pan. Note, dough can rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten. Cover the pan with a large damp towel or plastic wrap that is lightly sprayed with PAM to prevent sticking. Let rise in a warm spot until the dough is puffy and has doubled, anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• 5. When dough has doubled, carefully remove the wrap and using wet fingers, dimple the dough all over. Sprinkle on olive oil lightly and make sure it pools in some of the holes. Next sprinkle on the herbs or other toppings. Finally, give the dough a good sprinkle of sea salt.
• 6. Adjust oven rack to the middle of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees farenheit. When ready, bake the bread for 15 minutes. Turn the pan around and finish baking the bread for 6-10 minutes more or until bread is golden brown. Remove from oven, transfer to a wire rack and cool. Serve warm. Wrap the cooled bread in plastic and foil and freeze if you like, or use it for the next day.
• 7. Try slicing a square in half and adding your favorite meats or cheeses. Make a panini sandwich or a simple grilled sandwich if you like. Delicious!

POTATO ROSEMARY FOCACCIA ( FOCACCIA CON PATATE E ROSMARINO )

Steps:

• In a small bowl sprinkle the yeast over 1 cup warm water and let it proof for 5 minutes, or until it is foamy.
• In a large bowl combine well 4 cups of the flour with the mashed potatoes and the salt until the mixture resembles coarse meal, add the yeast mixture, and stir the dough until it is combined well.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it, incorporating as much of the remaining 1/2 cup flour as necessary to prevent it from sticking, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
• Form the dough into a ball, put it in an oiled bowl, and turn it to coat it with the oil.
• Let the dough rise, covered with plastic wrap, in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours, or until it is double in bulk.
• While the dough is rising, in a small bowl stir together the garlic, the rosemary, and the oil and let the mixture stand, covered.
• Turn the dough out into a well-oiled 15 1/2- by 10 1/2-inch jelly-roll pan, press it evenly into the pan, and let it rise, covered loosely, in a warm place for 45 minutes or less, or until it is almost double in bulk.
• Using a mandoline or hand-held slicer cut the red potatoes into paper-thin slices, arrange the slices on the dough, overlapping them, and brush them with the oil mixture, discarding the garlic.
• Sprinkle the focaccia with salt and pepper to taste and bake it in the bottom third of a preheated 400°F oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it is golden.
• Let the focaccia cool in the pan on a rack and serve it warm or at room temperature.

POTATO AND LEEK FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Combine the water, yeast and sugar together in a large bowl. Let sit until the yeast is activated and foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Stir in the flour and salt to make a shaggy, sticky dough. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough and turn to coat the dough with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 18 to 24 hours.
• When you are ready to bake, coat a metal 9-by-13-inch baking pan with butter and pour 2 tablespoons oil into the pan. Gently fold the dough over itself a few times in the bowl, then transfer it to the prepared pan and turn it over to coat with oil. Arrange the dough seam-side down and let it rise, uncovered, until it almost covers the bottom of the pan, about 2 hours.
• Just before the dough has finished rising, heat your oven to 425 degrees and set a rack in the center.
• When you are ready to bake, combine the sliced leeks and potatoes in a large bowl. Strip the leaves from the thyme and add them to the bowl along with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper; toss to combine evenly.
• Use your fingertips to dimple the dough and gently push it to evenly cover the bottom of the pan. Arrange the leeks and potatoes in an even layer over the dough. Bake until the focaccia is golden on the edges and the leeks begin to brown, about 30 minutes.
• Sprinkle the top with cheese and bake for 5 minutes more. Let cool slightly before serving.

POTATO FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil into a 12-by-18-inch rimmed baking pan, and spread all over using fingertips; set aside. Place half the potatoes in a small saucepan. Cover with cold water; place over high heat. Add 3 teaspoons salt when water comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook until potatoes are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain in a colander, reserving liquid. Pass through a potato ricer or a food mill and into a bowl; set aside.
• Place 1/4 cup reserved warm liquid into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Sprinkle in yeast, and stir well; let stand until creamy, 5 to 10 minutes. Add 2 1/4 cups more reserved liquid, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and the reserved mashed potatoes; beat until combined. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; add to potato mixture. Mix on low speed until flour is incorporated, about 3 minutes. Change to the dough hook, and knead on medium-high until dough is smooth and elastic and is slightly tacky when squeezed but does not stick to fingers, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Turn dough out onto a clean surface, and knead into a ball. Place in a lightly oiled large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let stand at room temperature until doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spread dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Cover with oiled plastic wrap, and let stand in a warm place until dough has filled the entire pan and has increased in size by about one-third, about 30 minutes.
• Using a mandoline or a knife, slice remaining potatoes into very thin rounds. Transfer to a bowl. Add half the rosemary and 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat potatoes well.
• Remove plastic wrap; dimple dough with fingertips, leaving deep indentations. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Gently press reserved sliced potatoes into dough. Sprinkle with remaining rosemary. Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven; transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.

OLIVE POTATO FOCACCIA WITH ASPARAGUS MENORAH

Steps:

• For the focaccia: Peel and dice the potato into 1-inch pieces. Place in a medium stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the potato pieces can be easily pierced with a knife, about 10 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes, reserving 1 cup of the water. Let the water cool until it is warm to the touch (about 100 degrees F), about 10 minutes.
• Mash the potatoes and measure 1 packed cup. You will probably have extra potatoes; I suggest adding some salt, butter and a dash of cream and eating them!
• In a large heatproof mixing bowl, add the flour, reserved water, yeast and potatoes and mix with a wooden spoon to combine. Add 3 tablespoons of the oil and the salt and mix to combine.
• Knead the dough on a clean surface while adding more flour (up to 1 1/2 cups) until your dough is soft and slightly tacky, 5 to 7 minutes. Add in the olives towards the end of kneading.
• Drizzle a layer of oil in a large bowl and coat the dough in the oil on both sides. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
• When the dough has doubled in size, add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil to a 12-inch round cast-iron skillet or a similar-sized heavy-bottomed pan to coat the pan. Spread the dough into the skillet so it covers the bottom. If it's bouncing back a lot, let the dough rest a few minutes and try again.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place, about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can let it rise in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you refrigerate it, it won't rise as much. Bring it to room temperature before the next step.
• Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Use your fingers to make dimples in the dough and drizzle with more oil.
• For the menorah: Remove the outer darkest layer of the onion and cut into 3 thin pieces that are 1 1/2 inches long to make up the menorah stand. Dice the rest of the onion layer into 1-centimeter pieces to make a decorative border around the edge of the dough.
• Cut off one side of the red pepper, avoiding the seeds. Trim a 2-inch curved piece to be the very bottom of the menorah stand. Then trim 3 thin flatter pieces that are 1 1/2 inches long to make up the menorah stand. Dice the remaining piece of red pepper into nine 1/2-centimeter pieces to make the candle wicks that will be placed between the asparagus candles and the tomato flames.
• Trim each piece of asparagus to fit the middle of the skillet, making sure 1 piece for the shamash (lighter candle) is slightly longer and the other 8 pieces are of equal length. Place the longer shamash piece on top of the dough in the center, then arrange the other 8 asparagus pieces in a row, spacing them out evenly on each side of the shamash. The shamash should be a little taller and the other asparagus pieces should be the same height.
• Add the 9 diced red pepper pieces on top of the asparagus pieces to make the candle wicks. For the flames, slice the grape tomatoes in half lengthwise, remove all the seeds and place one of them cut-side down above each red pepper piece to make a flame (you'll have 1 grape tomato half left over).
• For the base of the menorah, place a single row of olives below the asparagus, then alternate between the thin slices of red pepper and onion in the center to make the menorah stand. Place the 2-inch curved red pepper piece at the bottom of the stand, curving downward. Finally, make a decorative border by alternating between the remaining olives and diced onion around the edge of the dough.
• Brush everything with oil and bake until very golden brown, about 30 minutes. When done, brush with even more oil and sprinkle with salt. Eat! Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and heat before serving.

POTATO FOCACCIA WITH OYSTER MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Make sponge. Combine yeast and water in the bowl of a stand mixer and stir to dissolve. Whisk in flour. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until bubbly and doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
• While starter is proofing, steam potatoes above 1 inch of boiling water until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Mash with a potato masher or put through a potato ricer or sieve. Set aside to cool.
• Make dough. Whisk together yeast and water in a small bowl and let stand until creamy, a few minutes. Add to sponge in mixer bowl, along with the olive oil. Add mashed potatoes, flours (using smaller amount of unbleached flour) and salt and mix in with paddle attachment for 1 to 2 minutes, until ingredients are amalgamated. Change to dough hook and knead on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes, adding more white flour if dough seems impossibly sticky (it will be sticky no matter what). The dough should come together and slap against the sides of the bowl. It will be tacky.
• Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let dough rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Shape the focaccia. Coat a 12-x 17-inch sheet pan (sides and bottom) with olive oil. Line with parchment and flip the parchment over so exposed side is oiled. Turn dough onto the baking sheet. Oil or moisten your hands, as dough is sticky, and press out dough until it just about covers the bottom of the pan. Cover with a towel and allow it to relax for 10 minutes, then continue to press it out until it reaches the edges of the pan. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour, or until dough is full of air bubbles.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees after 30 minutes of rising (30 minutes before you wish to bake), preferably with a baking stone in it. Place olive oil, sage and garlic in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the ingredients begin to sizzle in the oil. Allow to sizzle for 30 seconds, then remove from heat, swirl the oil in pan and transfer to a measuring cup or small bowl or ramekin. Allow to cool.
• Cut away the tough stems bottoms from the mushrooms and tear large mushrooms into smaller pieces. In a large bowl, toss with salt and pepper and the cooled olive oil mix. With lightly oiled fingertips or with your knuckles, dimple the dough, pressing down hard so you leave indentations. Arrange the mushrooms over the dough. Drizzle on any oil left in the bowl.
• Place pan in oven on baking stone. Spray oven with water 3 times during the first 10 minutes of baking, and bake 20 to 25 minutes, until edges are crisp and the top is golden. If you wish, remove the focaccia from the pan and bake directly on the stone during the last 10 minutes. Remove from oven, remove from pan at once and cool on a rack. Arrange the whole sage leaves over the top. If you want a softer focaccia, cover with a towel when you remove it from the oven. Serve warm or at room temperature.

POTATO, PARMESAN AND ANCHOVY FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Proof yeast in sugar and water for 5 minutes, until foamy.
• Add flour, mashed potatoes, salt and 2 tblsps olive oil and combine dough well.
• Knead for 2 minutes, form into a ball, transfer to an oiled bowl and turn to coat.
• Let rise, covered with plastic wrap in a warm place, for 1 ½ hours, or until double in size.
• Press dough into 15 ½ X 10 ½ inch oiled jelly-roll pan.
• Cover loosely, put in a warm place and let rise 1 more hour.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place rack in bottom third.
• Stir together garlic, rosemary, anchovy paste and remaining 4 tblsps oil.
• Arrange sliced potatoes on dough, overlapping.
• Brush with oil mixture.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan and salt and bake in bottom third of oven for 40-50 minutes, or until golden-brown.

POTATO, PARMESAN, AND ANCHOVY FOCACCIA

Steps:

• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment proof the yeast with the sugar in the water for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy. In a large bowl combine 4 cups of the flour, the mashed potatoes, and the table salt until the mixture resembles coarse meal, add it with 2 tablespoons of the oil to the yeast mixture, and combine the dough well. With the dough hook knead the dough, scraping down the dough hook occasionally and incorporating as much of the remaining 1/2 cup flour as necessary to prevent it from sticking, for 2 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, transfer it to an oiled bowl, and turn it to coat it with the oil. Let the dough rise, covered with plastic wrap, in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours, or until it is double in bulk. The dough may be made up to this point, punched down, and kept, covered and chilled, overnight. Let the dough return to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
• In a small bowl stir together the garlic, the rosemary, the anchovy paste, and the remaining 4 tablespoons oil and let the mixture stand, covered. Press the dough evenly into an oiled jelly-roll pan, 15 1/2 by 10 1/2 by 1 inches, and let it rise, covered loosely, in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it is almost double in bulk. Cut the red potatoes into paper-thin slices with a mandoline or handheld slicer, arrange the slices on the dough, overlapping them, and brush them with the oil mixture, discarding the garlic. Sprinkle the focaccia with the Parmesan, the coarse salt, and pepper to taste. Bake the focaccia in the bottom third of a preheated 400°F. oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it is golden brown, let it cool in the pan on a rack, and serve it warm or at room temperature.

POTATO, SAGE AND LEMON ZEST FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place a small skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add garlic and cook until caramelized and golden brown, 2 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Using a mandolin or knife, thinly slice potato. Toss with 1 tablespoon garlic oil (reserve remaining oil and garlic), sage, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Pour remaining garlic oil into bottom of a 9-inch cake pan.
• Pat dough evenly into pan, leaving a small gap between dough and edges of pan. Chop garlic cloves and press into dough. Layer potato-sage mixture on top. Bake until potatoes and focaccia are golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.

CARAMELIZED SWEET POTATO FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Stir the yeast, sugar, and water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Let stand until mixture is foamy, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add oil, flour, and 2 teaspoons salt to yeast mixture. Mix on medium-low until dough comes together, 3 to 5 minutes. Raise speed to medium, and knead until dough is very smooth, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer dough to an oiled medium bowl. Loosely cover with plastic wrap. Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Generously oil a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet. Spread dough into sheet. Flip dough to coat both sides with oil, and stretch dough into corners of sheet. Lightly cover with oiled plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place until dough comes to just above rim of sheet (3/4 inch) and is very billowy, about 30 minutes.
• Uncover dough; sprinkle lightly with salt. Sprinkle evenly with cheese, walnuts, and rosemary. Top with caramelized potatoes, overlapping and pushing them into dough in places. Bake 5 minutes. Rotate sheet; bake 15 minutes. Rotate sheet again; bake until edges of crust are golden, about 5 minutes. Drizzle with oil. Let cool slightly before serving.

POTATO-LEEK FOCACCIA

Steps:

• In a saucepna, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 25 minutes; drain. Rice or finely mash. Measure out 1 1/3 cups of potatoes.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the yeast with the warm water and 1/2 cup of the flour. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let stand for about 25 minutes, until the mixture is frothy.
• In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the yeast mixture with the mashed potatoes, 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, and the remaining 3 cups of flour at medium speed for 2 minutes. Switch to a dough hook and knead until soft, slightly sticky dough forms, 5 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat. Let stand, covered, in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
• In a skillet, cook the leeks with the thyme, salt and sugar in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over moderate heat, stirring until caramelized, 15 minutes.
• Lightly oil an 11x17-inch baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and press to form an 11x17-inch rectangle. Lightly brush the dough with olive oil; let stand, loosely covered, in a warm draft-free spot until puffy, about 35 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 425°. Using your fingers, make indentations all over the dough surface. Top with the leeks, cheese, sea salt and 1 tablespoon of the truffle oil.
• Bake the focaccia on the middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Transfer the focaccia to a rack and brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of truffle oil. Let stand for 30 minutes to cool slightly. Slice into squares and serve.

POTATO FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Peel russet potato and boil until soft. Mash or push through a potato ricer and set aside. In large bowl, sprinkle the yeast and a pinch of sugar over 1/2 cup of the water and stir to dissolve. Let stand until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. Add the remaining water and sugar, 1/4 cup of the olive oil, table salt and 1 cup of the flour. Beat until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the potato and 1/2 cup of flour and beat for about 2 minutes. Stir in the onions. Continue to add flour 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft, shaggy dough forms. The dough should be soft, moist and somewhat sticky. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes. Line a heavy cookie sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil. With oiled fingers, flatten and press the dough into a rectangular or oval shape approximately 1 inch thick. Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap and let rise for about 1 hour. With oiled fingers, flatten and press the dough a second time until about 1 inch thick. Make deep indentions 1 inch apart and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle herbs if desired. Cover with oiled plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes. Thinly slice red potatoes. Lay out potatoes on dough in 3 rows, with each slice slightly overlapping. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle coarse sea salt and herbs and parmesan if desired.

POTATO & ROSEMARY FOCACCIA

Steps:

• Put the flour, yeast and 1 tablespoon of salt in a large bowl. Stir to combine and make a well in the middle. Gradually pour 650ml of lukewarm water into the well, continuously stirring and bringing in the flour as you go to form a rough dough.
• Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead for around 10 minutes, or until smooth and springy. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for around 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Meanwhile, lightly grease a large baking tray. Once the dough has risen, knock it back with your fist and place on the oiled baking tray. Using your hands, spread it out to cover the tray, then drizzle with olive oil. Use your fingers to push down into the dough to make lots of little wells and dips.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6. Add the Jersey Royals to a medium pan of boiling salted water, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through. Drain and leave to cool in a colander. Meanwhile, finely slice the purple potatoes with a mandolin (use the guard!) and add to a bowl with the rosemary leaves.
• Separate and lightly crush the garlic cloves, then add to the bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and toss to combine. Evenly spread the potato mixture over the dough, crumble over the cooled Jersey Royals, drizzle with a little more olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a tea towel and leave in a warm place for another hour, or until doubled in size.
• Once risen, use your fingers to push down into the dough again to make lots of little wells and dips. Place in the hot oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Leave to cool slightly, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and serve.

POTATO & TURMERIC FOCACCIA

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in 350ml cold water and add the oil. Add the flour and 1 tsp salt and mix thoroughly with your hands to make a dough. Cover and leave in the fridge or a cool place overnight.
• The next day, turn your dough out onto an oiled tray approx 30cm x 20cm. Using your fingertips, gently stretch the dough into a rectangle, then fold it in half. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat the process. Leave to rest for 30 mins. Repeat this stretching, folding and resting process twice more.
• Heat oven to 24OC/220C fan/gas 9. Gently stretch the dough to fill your tray. If it shrinks back, don't force it - rest for 10 more mins, then try again.
• Spread the potato slices over the dough, overlapping. Mix the olive oil with the turmeric and brush over, then sprinkle with sea salt and bake on the top shelf of the oven for 25-30 mins. When cooked, drizzle with a little more olive oil and scatter over the rosemary.