Basil Peach Focaccia

Basil Peach Focaccia combines my love for bread making with an obsession for peaches. Warm bread with stone fruit and herbs, drizzled in olive oil truly embodies the taste of late summer afternoons. Its a simple bread recipe that doesn’t take a lot of ingredients or work. You’ll be dipping bread and sipping wine in no time.

2.5 tsp. active dry yeast
1 cup water, warm
1 Tbsp. pure honey
3 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
1 tsp. sea salt
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow peach, pit removed, peeled and sliced
fresh basil

In bowl of stand mixer gently stir together yeast, honey and warm water (110°F). (I use a hand whisk) Let yeast mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until frothy.

Meanwhile in a separate bowl whisk together flour and sea salt.

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, fit mixer with dough hook, pour in olive oil and slowly spoon in flour mixture on medium low speed. When all flour is incorporated turn up to medium and work until it resembles a soft slightly sticky dough. Beat for about 4-5 minutes. Also try a windowpane test.

Place dough ball onto countertop or working station with a very small amount of oil. The surface should still have some dry spots to “grip” the dough. Cup the dough with your hands and roll it in a tight circle to smooth the shape.

Place dough ball into a lightly oiled large bowl with a Tbsp of Olive Oil at the bottom.

Then cover bowl with plastic and let rise in a warm, draft free location for 1-2 hours.

Once dough has doubled in size, remove from bowl and place on rimmed baking sheet. (Baking sheet can either be sprayed with non-stick spray or lined with parchment paper.)

Stretch the dough with your hands into a long rectangle across the baking tray.

Then take your fingers and press down into the dough, creating small dimples or wells across the surface. (don’t tear holes)

Place sliced peaches evenly across dough into some of the wells.

Drizzle entire surface of dough with olive oil. Then scatter chopped or whole basil leaves to stick to the oil. You can gently press the larger pieces into the dough.

Finally sprinkle with sea salt flakes. Let dough rest for 20-30 minutes for a final puff before baking.

Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C/180°C fan, Gas Mark 6) while dough is resting.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until slightly golden around edges.

Once baked, let pan cool on rack. Remove bread and slice, serving with additional dipping oil.

Wrap bread in aluminum foil or place in airtight container for up to a week of freshness.

Makes 1 loaf.