Floral Focaccia

Jem Carducci -

Mum and I shared many loves- two of these were flowers and cooking. Here I've mixed both to create this on trend floral focaccia. While you can use any toppings to arrange into flora (and fauna if you're feeling particularly adventurous!)  I stuck with colourful veggies which complement this beautiful Italian bread. Serve with oil and vinegar, dips, hummus, cheese, smoked salmon, Parma ham- whatever you fancy!
This makes a great appetiser, or if you prefer, can be sliced into large squares and make sandwiches for a picnic or a fancy burger bun!

Ingredients

For the bread:
3 cups strong white bread flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 1/3 tsp dried fast action yeast
A pinch of sugar
1 1/3 cups warm water
3 tbsp EVOO (plus extra for greasing the pan)
2 tsp onion or garlic salt
1 tsp dried ground Italian herbs

For the topping I used:

3 tbsp Trader Joe's Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto
1 shallot thinly sliced
15 halved slices zucchini (courgette)
2 crimini (baby bella) mushrooms
2 garlic cloves
2 spring onions
1 small tomato
5 olives
Maldon's smoked flaked seasalt

Method
In a small bowl add the yeast, sugar, and 1/3 cup warm water, mix, and leave for 10-15 minutes- this will activate the yeast to ensure it starts fermenting.
In a stand mixer or large bowl mix the flour, EVOO, dried herbs, salt, and yeast mixture until combined, then knead for 10 minutes by hand, or 5-7 using the dough hook on the mixer.
Turn into a greased bowl, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rise for at least 30 minutes- this is the first proove.
Place some parchment (greaseproof) paper in the rectangular pan you'll use to bake your bread, and grease with a little EVOO. Turn the dough out onto the pan and push to the sides to make a regtangle shape, ensuring the dough is spread as evenly as possible. Cover with the tea towel and leave for at least half an hour to proove a second time. Preheat your oven to 350°F/ 180°C.
Add your toppings, including a coursely ground salt, and bake for 30 minutes. The bottom of the bread should sound hollow when you knock against it.
Enjoy with friends and family!