Focaccia Bread

I posted this on my blog and had a couple of people ask for the recipe, so I thought I would post it here.

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 t. sugar
3 T olive oil
1/2 t. salt
1 T active dry yeast
1 cup water (110 degrees...or lukewarm)

• In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, sugar, yeast. Mix in 1 T olive oil and water.


• When the dough has pulled together, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.


• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Punch dough down: place on greased baking sheet. Pat into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle. Brush top with olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and rosemary.


• Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Red Sangria

This is a Martha Stewart Everyday Food recipe. It was given rave reviews both times I served it. I think it's one of the best sangrias I've had.

In a pitcher, stir together:

1/2 cup brandy

1/4 cup sugar

1 orange, ends cut off, thinly sliced

1 red apple, halved and thinly sliced

Let stand 15 minutes, then add:

1 bottle well-chilled dry red wine (I used a cheap cabernet)

1/2 cup club soda

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Serve over ice.

Delicious!