Focaccia is an easy bread to make, only having to rise once. I’ve recently discovered that you can cut squares of it horizontally to make wonderful sandwiches.

2 packets of yeast
1 T sugar
1 C warm water
1/3 C olive oil
1 T chopped garlic
1/2 t finely minced orange peel
1 T dried rosemary
2 t dried basil
1/2 t black pepper
3/4 C hot water
2 t salt
5-1/2 to 6 C flour
Cornmeal
Additional olive oil, spices, and kosher salt

Dissolve sugar in 1 C warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes. In the hot water, stir in the orange peel, rosemary, pepper, and basil. Let cool to lukewarm, add salt and garlic, and combine with the yeast. In a large bowl, mix in the flour one cup at a time until the dough holds together. Turn onto a floured board and knead for about 4-5 minutes, until smooth and firm.

Let rest 5-6 minutes. Brush a cookie sheet with olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal. Roll dough into a rectangle and place on the cookie sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with additional rosemary, basil, pepper, and kosher salt.

Let rise for 20-45 minutes. Bake at 425 F for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly browned.