Focaccia

I first saw this made on one of Jeff Smith's Frugal Gourmet TV shows. I later bought his book, The Frugal Gourmet Cooks Three Ancient Cuisines so I could have my own copy of this recipe and all the others he was demonstrating in this series.

Note: Since I put this recipe on the blog, it's become our favorite bread. We just cut it up and freeze it and warm up a square at a time.

Makes 2 loaves

• 2 cups tepid water (90 degrees)
• 2 packages dry yeast (2 tbl.)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 5 1/2 cups wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Toppings

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• garlic, to taste
• rosemary, to taste
• kosher salt, to taste

In a large bowl, mix water, yeast, and sugar. Stir in the oils and 1tsp. of salt. Add 2 - 3/4 cup of flour, mixing well until spongy. Add enough remaining flour to make stiff dough.

Turn onto floured surface and knead until elastic. Cover with bowl and let rise til doubled.

Divide dough in half, spread on greased cookie sheets using your fingers.

Mix crushed garlic with olive oil; brush over bread. Sprinkle w/ dried or fresh rosemary and kosher salt. Cover and let rise.

Bake at 375 for 1/2 hour. Cut into squares and serve.

NOTE: You can also slice squares in half horizontally for sandwiches.