Focaccia with Mixed Herbs

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast

• 1/4 teaspoon unbleached cane sugar
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 3 1/2 cups unbleached flour or bread flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• mixed herbs (oregano, basil, garlic powder, sage, marjoram and rosemary)
• red pepper flakes, crushed
• salt & pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Dissolve yeast and sugar in 1 cup warm water and set aside until bubbly about 10-15 minutes.

2. 2

   In a food processor, combine flour, salt, 1 T. olive oil, and yeast mixture, processing until dough pulls away from the sides to form a ball.

3. 3

   Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Place a little olive oil in a bowl, place dough in the bowl, give it a twist, turn the ball over to coat the other side, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

5. 5

   Punch dough down. Transfer to a floured surface and stretch dough to fit a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch pan. Lightly grease the pan, transfer dough to the pan, and stretch as needed to fit. Using your fingertips make "dimples" across the top of the dough.

6. 6

   Brush remaining olive oil over the top of the dough, sprinkle with desired amount of each herb, a few crushed red pepper flakes, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Allow to rise uncovered for 30 minutes.

8. 8

   Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until slightly golden brown.

9. 9

   Cut as desired.