Foccacia (Flat Bread)

This is the plain version just dimpled on the top and flavored with olive oil. You can also sprinkle sage, crushed olives, minced onions or rosemary over the top. It is excellent with cheese or served with antipasti. It is also good topped like a conventional pizza with tomatoes and cheese.

1 ounce fresh yeast
2/3 cup warm water
4 cups flour
6 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste

Dissolve yeast in the warm water. Put flour into a large bowl and pour in the yeast, salt and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Knead together until you have a smooth, soft, pliable dough. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until the dough has about doubled in size.

Punch the dough down and knead for a few minutes. Roll dough out to about 1/2 inch thick and lay it on a well-oiled cookie sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Before putting Foccacia in the oven, dimple the top by pressing the dough with your finger tips and pour the remaining olive oil over the top, along with anything else you desire as a topping.