Kids Can Bake: Focaccia Bread

Step 1

Combine 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110 degrees F) with the sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, and set aside until bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, whisk together both flours and the kosher salt in a medium bowl.

Step 3

Once the yeast is ready, add the oil to the bowl, then the flour mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured work surface and knead the dough until it is smooth, elastic and slightly tacky, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Lightly oil the bowl that held the flour mixture, put the ball of dough in it, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 5

Generously oil an 11-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet. Punch the dough down, and transfer it to the baking sheet. Gently stretch and pat the dough to the edges of the baking sheet with your hands (it will recede slightly from the edges). (If the dough is resistant, let it rest for about 10 minutes, then try again.) Dimple the dough all over with your fingers. Loosely cover, and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

Step 6

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. When the dough is ready, uncover, generously drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool in the baking sheet on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.