Sun Oven Solar Focaccia Made Easy Recipes

FOCACCIA WITH ROSEMARY AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• For the dough: Fill a small bowl with hot tap water. Let the water sit in the bowl for 2 minutes to warm the bowl, then dump it out. In the warmed bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, 1 tablespoon of the flour and 1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F). Let stand about 5 minutes. (The mixture will be creamy and slightly bubbly; if it isn't, start over with new yeast.)
• In a large bowl, mix together the kosher salt and remaining 2 1/2 cups flour. Make a well in the center and stir in the yeast mixture, olive oil and 3/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F) with a wooden spoon. Mix until the dough starts to come away from the sides of the bowl (it will be sticky). If the dough looks dry, add an additional 2 tablespoons warm water. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead with floured hands until soft and elastic, about 8 minutes. Form into a ball. (If using a stand mixer, mix on medium speed until soft and elastic, 4 to 7 minutes.) Brush another large bowl with olive oil. Add the dough and roll to coat with the oil. Tightly cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Stretch the dough into the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• For the topping: Use your fingertips to dimple the dough. Brush with the oil, top with the sun-dried tomatoes and rosemary and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
• Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Remove from the baking dish and allow to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and more flaky sea salt.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO FOCACCIA

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine chopped sun-dried tomatoes and boiling water. Let stand for 5 minutes; drain. , In bread machine pan, place the V8 juice, oil, softened tomatoes, cheese, parsley, sugar, salt, basil, garlic powder, flours and yeast in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed). , In a small bowl, combine slivered tomatoes and boiling water. Let stand for 5 minutes; drain and pat dry with paper towels. , When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Punch down. Divide in half; roll each portion into a 9-in. circle. Transfer to two greased 9-in. round baking pans. , Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make 1/4-in. indentations in dough. Arrange tomato slivers and onion slices over dough; press down lightly. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Brush with oil. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks.

SUN OVEN SOLAR FOCACCIA MADE EASY

Steps:

• Some days I just don't feel like making everything from scratch, but I hate to see a sunny day go to waste. Luckily, purchased refrigerated pizza dough can be used to make Focaccia bread in no time. Trader Joe's and Fresh & Easy both have very good white and whole wheat ready-made dough. Focaccia is a street food in Italy and most Italian bakeries will have at least two or three different kinds. Basic Focaccia bread is topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of kosher salt, but other toppings could include rosemary, olives, onions, tomatoes, eggplant, etc. It's very easy to make. Just spread the room temperature dough out in a baking pan, use your fingers to dimple it all over, cover it with a sheet of oiled plastic wrap and let it rise for about 30 minutes, then top it with oil and salt (or seasonings of your choice) and pop it in a preheated Sun Oven until it starts to brown, about 45 minutes. Any leftovers should be frozen because Focaccia bread does get stale quickly.