FESTIVE FOCACCIA

Festive Focaccia image

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Time 2h30m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 1/2 to 3 cups Gold Medal™ Better for Bread™ bread flour or Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 package regular or quick active dry yeast
1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
1 cup very warm water (120º to 130º)
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
2 medium red bell peppers, cut into 1/4-inch strips
2 small onions, sliced
1 to 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herb leaves (such as basil, oregano or rosemary)
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Mix 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, salt and yeast in large bowl. Add 1/4 cup oil and the warm water. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in enough remaining flour until dough is soft and leaves side of bowl.
Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 5 to 10 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl; turn greased side up. Cover and let rise in warm place 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until double. (Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.)
Heat oven to 425°. Grease 2 cookie sheets. Punch down dough. Divide in half. Shape each half into flattened 12-inch round on cookie sheet. Cover and let rise in warm place 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook bell peppers and onions in oil, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Prick centers of focaccias and 1 inch in from edges thoroughly with fork. Brush with 1 to 2 tablespoons oil. Spread bell pepper mixture over focaccias. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon herb leaves and cheese. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80, Carbohydrate 12 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 slice, Sodium 35 mg