👩‍🍳 American Sourdough May 16th

Author

Sandra Gebhardt
May 16, 2024

newsletter-title

Trivia Question❓

What is the traditional name for the overnight fermentation process that gives focaccia sourdough its signature tangy flavor and chewy texture?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Focaccia

As the weather shifts and our sourdough starter morphs with the changing temperatures (seriously, it's like it's got a mind of its own!), it's the perfect time to indulge in the comforting embrace of freshly baked focaccia bread. This versatile Italian flatbread is a staple in many kitchens for good reason—it's simple to make, endlessly customizable, and oh-so-delicious.

Focaccia dough, much like the weather, can be a bit temperamental. But fear not, intrepid bakers! Embrace the quirks of your dough and let its ever-changing nature lead you on a culinary adventure. Who knows, maybe your focaccia will surprise you with a new flavor profile or texture twist!

With its pillowy soft interior and crisp, golden crust, focaccia is the perfect canvas for showcasing a variety of toppings and flavor combinations. From classic rosemary and sea salt to more adventurous options like caramelized onions and goat cheese, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination (and maybe the contents of your pantry).

And let's not forget about the sheer joy of tearing into a warm slice of freshly baked focaccia, the aroma of olive oil and herbs wafting through the air. Whether enjoyed as a side to your favorite soup or salad, as a base for a gourmet sandwich, or simply on its own with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, focaccia is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your belly.


So, as the weather changes and our dough does its own thing, let's embrace the chaos and bake some focaccia. After all, there's no better way to weather the storm (or enjoy the sunshine) than with a slice of homemade goodness.

Joke of the Week

Why did the focaccia sourdough always win at poker?

Because it had a killer "bread"! 😂

Sourdough Hacks

Here are some focaccia hacks to elevate your baking game:


  1. Use a High-Hydration Dough: Aim for a wetter dough to achieve that signature airy texture in your focaccia. A higher hydration level (around 70-80%) will result in a lighter, more tender crumb.

  2. Cold Fermentation: After shaping your focaccia dough, let it ferment in the refrigerator overnight. This slow fermentation process enhances flavor development and creates a more complex taste profile.

  3. Infuse Olive Oil: Add flavor to your focaccia by infusing olive oil with herbs, garlic, or chili flakes. Brush the infused oil generously over the dough before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

  4. Dimpling Technique: Use your fingertips to gently dimple the dough before baking. This creates those characteristic pockets on the surface of the focaccia, perfect for trapping olive oil and seasoning.

  5. Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings! From classic rosemary and sea salt to roasted vegetables, cheese, or even sliced fruit, the sky's the limit when it comes to flavor combinations.

  6. Steam in the Oven: Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking the focaccia. The steam helps create a crisp crust and keeps the bread moist inside.

  7. Preheat Your Baking Pan: For an extra crispy bottom, preheat your baking pan in the oven before adding the dough. This ensures that the bottom of the focaccia gets nice and golden brown.

  8. Finish with Flaky Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the baked focaccia as soon as it comes out of the oven. The contrast of crunchy salt flakes against the soft bread is simply irresistible.

  9. Serve Warm: Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while still warm. If you have leftovers, gently reheat them in the oven or toaster for that freshly baked taste.

  10. Get Creative with Shapes: Don't feel limited to traditional round or rectangular shapes. Experiment with different shapes and sizes to create unique and eye-catching focaccia creations.

With these focaccia hacks up your sleeve, you'll be well on your way to baking delicious and impressive loaves that will have everyone coming back for more!

Next Steps...

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Sourdough Fun Facts

  • Focaccia sourdough originated in Italy and is a type of flatbread that is known for its signature dimpled texture and light, fluffy texture.


  • Focaccia sourdough is typically seasoned with olive oil, herbs, and salt, giving it a savory and flavorful taste.


  • The sourdough starter used in making focaccia sourdough adds a unique tangy flavor to the bread and helps to improve its texture and shelf life.


  • Focaccia sourdough is traditionally made with a higher hydration level than regular sourdough, resulting in a lighter and airier texture.


  • The process of making focaccia sourdough involves multiple rounds of stretching and folding the dough to develop gluten and create a chewy texture.


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Focaccia Recipes 

Classic Rosemary & Sea Salt Focaccia

Ingredients:

  • 500g bread flour
  • 10g salt
  • 7g instant yeast
  • 350ml lukewarm water
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Coarse sea salt

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and instant yeast.
  2. Gradually add the lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  6. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan, creating dimples with your fingertips.
  7. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top of the dough. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dips or as a side to soups and salads.

Tomato and Basil Focaccia

Ingredients:

  • 500g bread flour
  • 10g salt
  • 7g instant yeast
  • 350ml lukewarm water
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Coarse sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Follow steps 1-4 from the previous recipe to prepare the dough.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  3. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan, creating dimples with your fingertips.
  4. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the dough. Arrange the cherry tomato halves and basil leaves evenly over the surface.
  5. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the tomatoes and basil. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Sourdough Quote of the Week

"Life is too short for plain bread. Try our delicious Focaccia sourdough today!"

Right Click on the Image & Save to Share 

Bonus: 25 Focaccia Inclusions

  • Sliced cherry tomatoes
  1. Fresh basil leaves
  2. Pitted olives (black or green)
  3. Thinly sliced red onions
  4. Roasted garlic cloves
  5. Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  6. Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
  7. Crumbled feta or goat cheese
  8. Grated Parmesan cheese
  9. Caramelized onions for sweetness
  10. Sautéed mushrooms
  11. Roasted bell peppers, sliced
  12. Fresh thyme leaves
  13. Thinly sliced prosciutto or ham
  14. Shredded mozzarella cheese
  15. Pine nuts for added crunch
  16. Artichoke hearts, quartered
  17. Capers for a briny flavor
  18. Fresh rosemary sprigs
  19. Anchovy fillets for a salty punch
  20. Freshly ground black pepper
  21. Sliced zucchini or yellow squash
  22. Pesto sauce, drizzled over the top
  23. Roasted eggplant slices
  24. Grilled asparagus spears

These inclusions can be mixed and matched to create endless flavor combinations and variations of focaccia to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different ingredients to discover your favorite flavor profiles and enjoy the delicious results!

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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The autolyse stage.