Focaccia Bread

Another one to cross off my list there, Focaccia Bread! This was really easy and tasted great. I don't know what took me so long to make it. I love this served with a favorite sandwich, so I made it in a round cake pan to give it some height and shape so I could slice it. I'll be making this more often instead of having french bread with dinner, I think this will be a nice change. Speaking of changes, I changed the original recipe as others reviewed it with some great tips.

1 cup warm water or milk (110')
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons garlic herb seasoning
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons olive oil -for brushing on top
1 tablespoon grated shaker Parmesan cheese

*Proof the yeast: Combine the yeast with the warm liquid. Stir in about 1 teaspoon of sugar and stir to dissolve. Let it sit 10 minutes; if it's bubbly and foamy, the yeast is good. Continue on...

Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, stir together the flour, salt, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil and black pepper. Mix in the oil and yeast water mixture.
When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic. Lightly oil a large glass bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 4o0'. Punch dough down; place on greased baking sheet or in pan. Pat into a 1/2 inch thick. Poke fingers all over top to make indentions. Brush top with olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and let rise a 2nd time for 30 minutes. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.

~ Original recipe from Allrecipes

*Also written for Just Baking