posted by ROY 04-25-101 5:36 PM
Focaccia Bread with Asiago Cheese
1 1/2 cups warm water ( 110 deggees )
1 tsp active dry yeast
4 cuos all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp mixed dey herbs ( basil,thyme,etc )
2 tsp salt
4 Tbsp Olive oil
3/4 cup gratted Asiago Cheese
Pour water into a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast into water, and let it stand undisturbed until dissolved. Stir in 1 cup flour. 1 Tbsp herbs, salt and 2 Tbsp oil until well blended. Mix in the flour 1 cup at a time until a thick and somewhat sticky dough forms. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball and place into an oiled bowl. Flip the dough to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with a clean dishtowel, and let rise until doubled , about 1 hour.
Punch down, and divide in half. Shape into 2 round loaves about 1 1/2 inch thick. Grease two 9 inch round cake pans, transfer dough to pans. Brush each loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs and sprinkle with Asiago Cheese. Make several slashes in the bread, cutting through the dough with a knife. Cover the loaves with clean dishtowels. Let rise 45 minutes.
Place baking pans into preheated 350 degree oven. Quickly splash a small amount of water onto the floor of you oven to create steam, and close the oven door. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes