Saffron Focaccia Recipes

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2-cup warm water and honey; let stand for 5 minutes. Add flour, 1/4 cup oil, salt and remaining 3/4-cup water; mixing until smooth (dough will be wet). Scrape the sides of the bowl clean; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes., Preheat oven to 425°. Brush a 13x9-in. baking pan with 1 tablespoon oil. Gently scrape dough directly into pan. With oiled hands, gently spread dough. If dough springs back, wait 10 minutes and stretch again. Make indentations in the dough with your fingers. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil; let rise until doubled in size, 30-40 minutes. , If desired, sprinkle with sea salt. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cut into squares; serve warm.

Steps:

• Place the saffron threads in a heatproof container. Pour the boiling water over the strands and let infuse until lukewarm.
• While the saffron is infusing, place the flour, salt, yeast and olive oil in a food processor. Turn machine on and gradually add the saffron and its soaking liquid. Process until the dough forms a ball.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead 10-15 minutes. Place in a bowl, cover and allow to rise until doubled in size, approximately 30-40 minutes.
• Punch down the dough and roll into an oval shape about 1/2" thick. (The shape does not have to be perfect.) Place the dough on a greased aluminum baking sheet and allow to rise for 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using your fingertips, press indentations over the surface of the bread.
• Brush lightly with olive oil, cover with the topping ingredients, and lightly drizzle a small amount olive oil on top.
• Bake 25 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the base.
• Let cool on a wire rack.