Black Olive Focaccia with Oregano, Orange and Feta

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 1/2 cups water, warm

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet dry active yeast

• 1/2 cup Lindsay Black Ripe Olives, roughly chopped

• 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, roughly chopped (if using dried, as is)

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, drained and crumbled

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 1 teaspoon orange zest

For the topping:

• 1 cup Lindsay Black Ripe Olives, sliced

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, drained and crumble

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons honey

• Pinch crushed red pepper

• 1 teaspoon orange zest

• Pinch salt, preferably a flakey sea salt

Cooking Directions

1. Using a non-stick spray, lightly grease a 9” x 13” baking pan or sheet tray. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil onto the tray. This will ensure that the focaccia does not stick to the pan and crisps up on the bottom.

2. Combine the flour, water, remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Beat at high speed for about 1 minute. If doing by hand, combine ingredients and knead for 5-7 minutes. The dough will be sticky.

3. Scoop the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

4. While the dough rests, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

5. After 1 hour, add the olives, oregano, feta, crushed red pepper and orange zest to the bowl. Fold the dough 4-5 times, until the add-ins are incorporated throughout. Cover the dough and let rise for 1 more hour.

6. Turn the dough into the prepared baking pan and stretch to cover the whole pan. Cover the dough,and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the dough to relax before baking.

7. Just before you’re ready to bake, gently dimple the dough at irregular intervals with your fingers. Press firmly, but try not to deflate the focaccia too much.

8. Sprinkle the sliced olives, feta cheese, crushed red pepper, orange zest, and salt over the top of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and honey.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.

10. Let cool, slice, and enjoy as a sandwich, with cheese, or on its own!