Carbs or not, I love focaccia

I know bread isn’t that good for you. Loaded with carbs and sugar – and all the other bad stuff, but every now and then I get a craving for it, so must make some.

This is a quick bread to make. Not one for sandwiches since it is flat like a thick pizza crust, but good for serving with dinner.

Focaccia

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 tablespoon active dry yeast (or 1 packet)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (optional)

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup water

Stir dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. When dough has pulled together, turn out onto a lightly-floured cutting board. Knead until smooth. Rub olive oil on the outer surface of the dough and place it  back in the mixing bowl. Cover with a warm, damp cloth and let rise for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Punch dough down. Place on greased baking sheet. Pat into a 1/2- inch thick rectangle. Brush top with olive oil. Optional: Sprinkle with kosher salt or Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses (Note: Vegan cheeses don’t work that well for this so it’s better just to leave it off for vegan option). Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

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Original recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/focaccia-bread