Bread making is such a wonderful sensory, hands on activity for children. Mixing and kneading the dough are great physical experiences for children to do and seeing the dough rise can seem quite magical.
I tend to use my bread maker for traditional loaves of bread as they tend to involve a lot of waiting. This focaccia recipe, however, has similar steps but much shorter kneading and rising times which makes it perfect for cooking with children. It is also a very versatile recipe that can altered by adding other flavours such as fresh rosemary, caramelised onion, orange, tomatoes, olives or garlic.
Basic Focaccia
Serves 8Download a free printable recipe card for this recipe here.
Ingredients
2 cups (300g) plain flour
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2 teaspoons dried yeast
1/4 cup (20g) finely grated parmesan
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup (250ml) warm water
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon olive oil, extra
1 tablespoon parmesan, extra
Method
1. Lightly grease a baking tray.
Measuring dry ingredients is a great skill for young children to practice. |
Bear measuring the dried yeast. We store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. |
Bear measuring the parmesan cheese. |
Use a regular dinner spoon or a small wooden spoon to mix the dough. |
3. Make a well in the centre of the flour and pour in oil and water.
4. Mix to form a soft dough.
Dough ready to rest and rise. Cue craft activity to keep children busy! |
5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
6. Place dough onto tray and press into a 24cm round or medium rectangle shape.
7. Cover dough with greased plastic wrap and stand in a warm place for about 1 hour or until dough has doubled in size.
8. Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius.
(Tag team children for photos!) |
10. Sprinkle dough with sea salt and extra parmesan cheese and drizzle with extra olive oil.
11. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Delicious Homemade Focaccia |
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