Sun- Dried Tomato Rosemary Focaccia Bread

We have a little coffee shop in town that has amazing focaccia bread sandwiches. My favorite bread is the tomato herb focaccia. One day, I hope to replicate that recipe, but for today, I have made this focaccia bread and it was very good. I love this bread served warm. This recipe will make two loaves, so plan to either give one away, have lots of people over to share or try freezing one.

Makes 2 loaves with 8 wedges each ( 1 wedge = 4 points +)

• 1-1/2 c. warm water
• 1 packet quick rise yeast
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4 c. flour
• 3 T. olive oil, divided
• 1/4 c. sun-dried tomatoes, cut into julienned strips
• fresh rosemary
• coarse sea salt

Dissolve yeast in a mixing bowl with warm water. Add sugar and 1 tsp. salt. Stir in 2 T. olive oil. Add 3 c. flour and mix. Add more flour, a little at a time until mixture starts to pull away from the bowl. If you have a stand mixer, such as a Kitchen -Aid, with the dough hook, you can continue mixing for about 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. If not, you will have to knead your dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic ( 6-8 minutes)

Place dough in a large bowl coated with nonstick spray. Turn dough to coat. Cover and keep in a warm place until dough doubles in size. ( I keep mine on top of my stove with my oven pre-heated). The dough will take 30-60 minutes to rise.

Heat 1 c. water to boiling. Add sun-dried tomato pieces. Let stand 30 minutes; drain.

Preheat oven to 425. Coat two 9 inch round cake pans with nonstick spray. Punch dough down; Divide dough into two equal portions and place in cake pans. Press dough with fingertips to form indentations. Brush with remaining 1 T. oil. Top with sun-dried tomato pieces, rosemary and coarse sea salt. Bake 16-17 minutes or until bread is golden. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.