If someone asks me what inspires me to cook, I would say it depends on the feedback of a man and a boy – my hubby and son. When the bigger one goes for seconds, sometimes thirds, I know he truly likes what I’ve cooked. He rarely talks with his mouth full. I know its considered good manners, but I have serious issues following such rules.
Some of you might remember that I recently baked my first focaccia with savory toppings. We were munching on it that evening. As I said, we rarely have time for a conversation while eating something good. But my mind was already working overtime.
Between mouthfuls, I remarked rather casually, “I bet this would taste good with strawberries instead of tomatoes”.
“Yes, with some sugar dusted on top, maybe for breakfast”.
I never expected to get an instant response and I literally sat there with my jaw open. That too coming from a man who barely cooks or rarely has an opinion on what I cook. I was happy for another reason. This was a sure sign that he reads my blog. (I’ve had my doubts, though he has always sworn that he reads every word.) I am telling you, he’d never know otherwise what dusting sugar means!
How could I not oblige him then?!!
Juicy red strawberries are so versatile. Simply pop them in your mouth, dip them in chocolate, bake cakes, make sweet and spicy salsa, caramelize them, use them in milkshakes,ice cream, sauces or jams or use them to top just about any dessert – the options are endless. I just realized that strawberries are probably my most favorite ingredient!
The last time I made focaccia, the dough was slightly tough at first and I had to use a lot of elbow grease to knead it. This time around, instead of mixing all the flour in the recipe at the same time, I mixed the dough with 2 1/2 cups of flour and incorporated another quarter cup while kneading. It turned out perfect, better than last time. I topped this focaccia with macerated sweet strawberries and cinnamon sugar. Yes, you read that right! Need I say more now?!!
Oh and one more thing, I shaped the dough in to a 9-inch square bread this time, ending up with beautiful thick slices. Read on for the recipe (phew, at last!).
You will need:
- Active Dry Yeast – 1 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Very warm water – 1 cup (around 110 deg.F)
- All purpose flour – 2 3/4 cups
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Oil – 3 tbsp, divided
For the topping,
- Strawberries – 3/4 lb or 10-12 large ones
- Sugar – 3 tbsp, divided
- Cinnamon powder – 1 tsp
- Powdered sugar – for dusting
How to:
- Combine the yeast, 1 tsp of sugar and warm water in a bowl to proof the yeast. It should take 5-10 minutes for the solution to turn frothy.
- Sift 2 1/2 cups of flour and salt in a mixing bowl (I’ve found that a non-stick pan is perfect for mixing sticky dough). Add the yeast solution and 2 tbsp of oil to this and combine to form a dough.
- Turn the dough out on to a clean and floured surface (with the rest of the 1/4 cup of flour). Knead well to incorporate the flour and till the dough is soft and elastic, around 5-8 minutes.
- Oil a bowl thoroughly, place the dough ball in it and turn around to completely coat with the oil (to prevent the dough from drying out). Cover with a clean, damp cloth and allow to rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
- Let’s prep the topping while the dough rises. Wash, hull and slice the strawberries into halves or quarters. Place the strawberries in a bowl and add 2 tbsp of sugar. Toss to combine and allow the berries to soften and release their juices. In another small bowl, combine the rest of the sugar with cinnamon powder.
- Pre-heat the oven to 450 deg.F and line a 9-inch baking pan with foil.
- After 30 minutes, the dough should have risen well. Punch it down and shape the dough in the baking pan. Make dimples or indentations all over with your fingertips. Brush 1 tbsp of oil all over. Cover and rest for a further 20 minutes.
- Now nestle the macerated berries in the dough gently. The dough will be very pillowy (is that even a word?!) and you can easily create little pockets for the berries in it. Drizzle some of the juices all over, especially at the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top. Again, don’t forget the edges.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or till the bread is golden brown. Remove from the pan and cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. If you have any leftover macerated strawberries, you can serve it along with the bread.
The juices from the strawberries ooze on to the sides, creating a perfectly sweetened crust on the sides of the focaccia!
Notes:
- Bake this in the evening and serve it for breakfast the next morning. I stored it in the refrigerator overnight as I was not exactly sure how long it can be kept out on the counter.
- Serve with a few dollops of ricotta cheese or goat cheese on top. If you are planning to consume the focaccia bread immediately, you can add the cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Replace strawberries with other berries or your favorite fruit. I think grapes, peaches, nectarines or cherries would be amazing.
- Try topping with fresh herbs like mint or basil too.
How’s that for a lovely sweet breakfast/brunch bread? Do try it and let me know what you think. I would love to hear your variations to this, if any.
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Crystelle Boutique says
I am going to the store RIGHT now to get strawberries, because this looks simply delicious!?!!! 🙂
x Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
That’s great! I’d love to see pics of your focaccia!!
Serena says
You know, I’ve always wanted to publish a post on a sweet focaccia recipe, this focaccia with strawberries look amazing!!! Really beautiful!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Serena! I’d love to see your version as well.
Serena says
Thank you 🙂
Emily Thompson says
this looks awesome! I ‘ve made focaccia bread before, but never as a sweet. Pinned to try!!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Emily. Do try it and let me know how it goes!
Stacey @ Sweet Little Sparrow says
This looks delicious! Beautiful photos too!!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you so much, Stacy!
subterraneanhero says
How absolutely luscious! 😀 Strawberries are my absolute favorite too! I love the idea of a sweet focaccia. Mmmm will be pinning. Passing by from Two Cup!
Toodles,
Tammy<3
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Tammy. Appreciate it!
Aditi says
You are in a focaccia roll, Anjana! 🙂 Loving this version too!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
I sure am, Aditi 😉
Thank you!
Lindsey@CultivateNourishing.com says
This looks delicious! I just started a linkup for garden harvest recipes called Eating Inside the Box! It would be awesome if you would share this with us! Please add any other recipes to any fruit/veggie category you’d like! Enjoy the harvest!
http://www.cultivatenourishing.com/strawberries/
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Lindsey! Thanks for the invite too!!
Sarah @ The Cook's Life says
Brilliant! And I love the picture of your reaction to your husband’s casual comment! This is going on the list to try as soon as possible! Absolutely brilliant! Kudos to you and your husband for a great way to make a shortcake-like concoction that is acceptable for a healthy breakfast.
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Lol! Now that you mention it, why can’t shortcakes be breakfast?!!
Do try this focaccia idea, Sarah. I’m sure you’ll like it.
vibhagupta says
Mouth watering pictures. Love to try this recipe.
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Please do, Vibha! I am sure you’ll like it.
mommasangelbaby says
You & your hubby are brilliant, this looks AWESOME! I found this yummy recipe on Recipe Sharing Mondays and I’m hoping you’ll bring it over to my recipe link party The Yuck Stops Here. You can find us this week anytime after tomorrow evening (Tuesday) at 8pm ET at http://mommasangelbaby.com/?p=2628. Hope to see you there! HUGS
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you. Thanks for the invite as well!
Deena Kakaya says
Mmm, looks gorgeous. I’ve never used focaccia and strawberries together, but goodness it does look good x
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Deena. Sweet focaccia just might be my latest obsession – so good!
Nancy says
If this tastes even half as good as it looks, it has to be scrumptious! Beautiful!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Aww… thank you, Nancy!
Traditionally Modern Food says
It looks fantabulous. Anjana, its definitely a grt weekend breakfast. Ya al hubby do grt job as a judge. Agree:)
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you 🙂
simplyvegetarian777 says
What colors A! Gorgeous. Never thought of baking a sweet focaccia. Excellent idea and I am just drooling :).
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thanks Sonal 🙂
acasadisimi says
wow ! delicious! i love cinnamon
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Simi! I love cinnamon too 🙂
Ngan R. says
I’ve never seen strawberries on focaccia before and it looks like I’m missing out! Beautiful bread!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
You MUST try it, Ngan. It’s absolutely delicious, if I say so myself! Thanks for visiting!!
Divine Spice Box says
Amazing ! Looks great.. from the pictures, i can almost smell the aromas around 🙂 Thanks for sharing
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Prachi. Appreciate it!
spiceinthecity says
Beautiful focaccia Anjana. Looks amazing and would be perfect for breakfast 🙂
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Naina!
Lisa says
Love this sweet and fruity version! So beautiful with the bright red strawberries.
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Lisa!
elsonsequeira says
strawberries in a foccacia… How brilliant is that Anjana..I liked the twist and i see the bread has a wonderful rise too… may be a small drizzle of nutmeg you reckon
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Elson. Yes, you can add your favorite sweet spice. I went with cinnamon.
Radhika says
That’s like the best breakfast ever! What an amazing idea!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Radhika!
Lori says
Anjana! Words cannot express how amazing this looks! I am craving this now! Absolutely beautiful pictures too!! What a great idea! I can just imagine how super yummy these are!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
How sweet of you, Lori! Thank you!!
A Home Cook says
Yum. I think I could really get into this idea, too. It looks like a great Saturday breakfast.
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
It is a great breakfast bread. Do try it!
A Home Cook says
Okay, so I fiiiiiiiiinally got around to making this. It’s so delicious. Thanks for the great recipe.
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
I am glad you enjoyed it.
A Home Cook says
We did. It’s been popular around here.
Namrata says
Gosh…how gorgeous does that look!!! a sweet focaccia Ive never tried. great job Anjana!
Anjana @ At The Corner Of Happy & Harried says
Thank you, Namrata!