Easy Focaccia

I used to think I could not bake bread. Mission impossible. Something always went wrong and the product of my failure usually was inedible. But then...I don't know what happened. Something just clicked. Or, I just found a bread recipe that was easy to follow, and easy to get creative with.

Now I make bread all the time. It tastes good, it smells good, and above all...it's easy. Which is a good thing, because I'm fanatically successful at failure in so many other avenues of life, it's nice to come across a nice bread recipe that looks and tastes successful with not much effort.

First, whisk these three ingredients together and set aside in a warm place for five minutes so the yeast will 'proof' - as in, poof up:

1 cup warm water

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon yeast

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Have the olive oil handy.

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons olive oil

Suggested add ins:

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons red onion, minced

1 tablespoon dried, mixed italian herbs

Stir in the oil and yeast mixture. If using add ins, stir these ingredients into the mixture. Stir until combined, then using oiled hands, knead the mixture in the bowl until all ingredients are incorporated. Turn dough into large oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel and set in a warm place.

Let rise for one hour. Dough will double in size.

Toppings:

Pizza sauce

Red onion, thinly sliced

Tomato, thinly sliced

Grated Parmesan cheese

Turn dough out onto cooking stone or baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Press with oiled hands to spread evenly on baking surface - dough should be 2 inches thick. Brush with sauce, if using. Top with thinly sliced vegetables. Brush with olive oil. Top with sea salt or grated cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Let cool on wire rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing.