Italian Herb and Cheese Focaccia

I love making fresh bread.  I love the way my house smells when it is baking.  I love the warm comfort I get by eating a slice of bread fresh out of the oven, and anything with carbs is usually satisfying in my book.  I don't always have the time to make great rolls or a good loaf of bread so this is a great way to get homebaked bread in less than an hour.

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 Italian Herb and Cheese Focaccia

2 3/4 cup bread flour

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp turbinado sugar (sugar, or honey work fine)

1 Tbsp active dry yeast

1 garlic clove, pressed

1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper

1 cup warm water (110-115 F)

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

I tsp olive oil

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese (I used bottled since I was out of fresh)

1/4 tsp kosher salt

In a large bowl or Kitchen Aid fitted with a dough hook add the flour, salt, sugar, yeast, garlic, and pepper.  Stir to combine.  Add the water and 1 Tbsp olive oil.  Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated into a dough.  Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.  

Coat the bottom of a glass or plastic bowl with olive oil.  Shape the dough into a ball and place in the bowl.  Turning to coat with the oil.  Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. Preheat a baking stone your oven to 450 F. 

When the dough has risen punch down.  Lightly flour a piece of parchment paper and shape dough into a 1/2" thick rectangle.  Drizzle 1 tsp or so of olive oil over the dough and brush with a pastry brush.  Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and Parmesan cheese.

Transfer the dough to the stone and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool about 10 minutes.  Slice and serve.