Paul Hollywoods Focaccia

If you have been glued to the Great British bake off as I have, you will have seen Paul Hollywood's focaccia made. I love bread, especially Italian bread and when I've made it before, it's been the typical dough you would make for most bread. According to Mr Hollywood, this is not how an authentic focaccia is made, so I decided to take the challenge.
The photo really doesn't do justice to this fantastic recipe. It took three tries to make it, mainly because I didn't realise I had the wrong type of yeast! It is a very messy and sticky dough due to the large amount of water added and takes a bit of practice and any sort of scraper to help handle this difficult dough!

Once you have mastered it though you will make it again and again. It is a perfect bread for accompanying a meal or even to have on its own, with maybe a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dip it in. I'm now going to try adding olives and sun dried tomatoes to add other flavour dimensions but it is still amazing with simply salt and rosemary as I've added to mine.

The recipe can be found here

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/focaccia_08389

The Great British Bake Off book is excellent too so here it is if you fancy an early Christmas present!

Great British Bake Off: How to Bake: The Perfect Victoria Sponge and Other Baking Secrets (Great British Bake Off TV Tie)

Good luck!