You know those yummy laves of bread you see in the grocery store? The ones in the bakery sprinkled with cheese and full of aromatic herbs? The ones that call you to each time you pass, begging you, please, please pick me up and take me home. You know I’ll taste good. You know you want me. You know I’d be the perfect pair with tonight’s dinner of creamy tomato soup.

You know I cost $4.00 {or more}, right?

Oh, those breads are so freaking good. But I can hardly ever get myself to part with the cash to buy them. Yes, I’m cheap like that. I confess.

But, my family will not go without this delicious bread! It would be a crime against nature. Or at least against our tummies. It’s oh so freaking good, remember?

Mom to the rescue! My mom that is. Growing up, on Sunday mornings I remember her making the best foccacia bread. In the entire world. Even better than the kind in the grocery store. I’m serious, yo.

This bread, paired with fresh veggies, yummy cheeses and fruit was the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon lunch. Sitting at the counter, shoving piece after piece of bread into my mouth. Ahhhh, memories.

Now that I’m the mom in the house {or at least that’s what the almost 3 year old keeps telling me} I’ve passed the tradition down to my family. And because I’m super awesome and nice, I’m passing this wonderful recipe on to you.

Rosemary Foccacia

Dough: makes a 1-1/2 pound loaf

• 1 cup warm water
• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt {sea salt is best}
• 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary {or substitute 2 teaspoons dried oregano}
• 1-1/2 teaspoons yeast

Topping

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 close garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

In a small bowl whisk together the flour, dried rosemary and salt. In the bowl of a large mixer with a dough hook combine the water, olive oil and yeast. Set speed to 2* and slowly add the flour mixture. Once the mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl and forms a ball, mix at speed 2-3 for 10 minutes.

While the dough is mixing preheat the oven to 200º for 10 minutes. The oven does not have to reach this temperature, but it will help your dough rise.

After the dough has finished mixing place it a bowl coated with non-stick spread and cover with plastic or a lid. Place in the warmed oven for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen punch it down by kneading it once.

Spread a cookie sheet with sides or a 10 x 15 x 1 jelly-roll pan with non-stock spray. Using your hands gently stretch and press the dough to fit evenly into the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise again in the warmed oven for 30-40 minutes, until doubled again.

Remove pan from the oven and preheat to 375º.

Using two fingers poke holes {don’t actually poke all the way through} into the dough. In a small bowl combine the olive oil and garlic. Drizzle it over the top of the dough. Sprinkle with cheese and extra rosemary.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Best served slightly warm with your favorite soup or salad, or as a side to pasta. It also makes a killer grilled cheese sandwich.

*These directions are for using a KitchenAid mixing. If you are using a different brand, keep the setting on low. If you are mixing/kneading by hand, knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is elastic-y.

Meal Plan

Dinner

Monday: BBQ Chicken in the slow cooker
Tuesday: Chicken fajitas
Wednesday: Pancake, bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches
Thursday: Stir-Fried Pasta Primavera with Shrimp
Friday: Homemade pizza on beer battered crust and homemade sauce {AllRecipes.com}
Saturday: Night to myself, which means I’m ordering pizza!
Sunday: Leftover buffet

Snacks

• Super Energy Granola Bars
• Chewy, No-Bake Granola Bars
• Crackers
• Graham Crackers

Desserts

• Peanut Butter Cups
• Brownies
• Chocolate Toffee
• Brownies
  

Don’t forget, Friday is the Sweet Tooth Friday link up. I know that you have recipes to share too so get them ready.

This post is proudly linked up to Mouthwatering Mondays, Tuesdays and the Table, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, It’s a Blog Party, My Sweet and Savory, What’s Cooking Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Ultimate Recipe Swap, It’s a Keeper Thursdays, I’m Loving It, Foodie Friday, Grocery Cart Challenge, Friday Firsts, Food on Fridays.

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Tagged as: bread recipe, foccacia bread recipe, meal plan, menu plan, rosemary foccacia recipe