As we shift into Autumn and the temperatures cool, there's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house to entice us to stay indoors. This season, we're embracing cozy evenings with a delicious recipe for garlic and herb focaccia – the perfect opportunity to use the new Garlic Crusher!

This cheese, garlic, and herb focaccia can be made vegan or with dairy. It is a doughy delight, combining pillowy softness inside with a perfectly crisp crust. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal kneading, it's a recipe that's both simple and satisfying to prepare. Try purchasing all the ingredients at your local bulk store or refillery for a low-waste, no-plastic-bag bread option. 

Photo: Food Sharing Vegan

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of minced fresh herbs
• 5 cloves of garlic, crushed (with your Garlic Crusher!)
• 2 cups of lukewarm filtered water
• 2 ¼ teaspoons of rapid-rise yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar
• 5 cups of all-purpose flour, divided
• ¾ teaspoon of salt, plus more for garnish
• ¼ cup of vegan or regular parmesan, grated

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Roll the cloves of garlic with the CaliWoods Garlic Crusher to your preferred consistency. Add herbs and garlic, cooking until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Remove from heat just before golden (there will be extra cooking time in the oven) and set aside.
• In a bowl, whisk together lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbles form.
• In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour with ⅓ cup of the oil and herb mixture and the yeast mixture. Let it sit for 3 minutes.
• Add remaining flour and salt, mixing thoroughly with your hands until a smooth dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes.
• Cover the dough and let it rise for 45 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 410°F/210°C. Spread the remaining oil and herb mixture in a 9x13-inch pan. Transfer the risen dough to the pan, spreading it out evenly.
• Use your fingers to create dimples in the dough. Spread the remaining herb and oil mixture on top and sprinkle with grated vegan cheese.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Notes:

• Check water temperature to ensure it's around 45-37°C for yeast activation.
• Ensure yeast is in date for proper rising and use filtered water so the chlorine in the town supply doesn’t affect the yeast

• Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
• This is the perfect recipe to try out the CaliWoods Garlic Crusher! Our own bias aside, we use this nifty little kitchen tool every day and are going to love passing it down to the Grandkids. It’s unbreakable and so easy to clean. 

For more delicious and waste-conscious recipes, check out our other blogs for inspiration on creating affordable, nutritional, and delicious family favorites. 

Happy baking!