colorful and flavorful

ohhhhh nordstrom, how i miss thee!  i used to work a couple of blocks away from one of their stores and i quickly learned how wonderful their food was.  at least once a week i was at the cafe or espresso bar picking up my lunch.  one of my favorite items was their caprese sandwich on homemade focaccia bread which i tried to duplicate.  i wasn't very successful until one day i discovered that nordstrom had put out a cookbook.  the bread recipe was in there so it was a no-brainer on the purchase.  this bread is one recipe i barely change anything with, but i feel i've taken the sandwich insides to a new level.  this meal, whether you do it vegetarian or not, is extremely flavorful and satisfying.  and pretty to look at too.

rosemary & olive oil focaccia bread

2 pkg yeast
2 cups warm water (105-115° F)
1 tbs sugar
5-1/3 cups flour
2-1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
dried rosemary
black pepper

1. mix yeast in a small bowl or measuring cup with water, sugar and 2 tbs of flour.  let rise for 10 minutes.
2. in a large bowl, stir together 5 cups flour & 1-1/2 tsp salt.  make a well in the middle and add yeast.  begin kneading.
3. when dough is smooth and elastic, shape it back into a ball and put in a bowl with 1 tbs. olive oil .  turn ball once to coat.  cover bowl with a cloth and let rise about 45 minutes.  punch down with a fork and let rise for 35 minutes longer.
4. use 1 tbs oil (or olive oil flavored pam, works just as well) to grease a 11x15 baking sheet.  press and roll dough flat into the sheet.  cover with plastic wrap & let rise 15 minutes more.  while rising preheat the oven to 425° F.
5. remove plastic and poke dough with a fork to make a nice pattern.  brush top with remaining olive oil (to your taste).  sprinkle rosemary, salt & pepper across the top and then bake for 18-22 minutes or until top starts to gain a golden color.

bread recipe makes enough for about 8 sandwiches.

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cheese sandwich

deli pepperoni (optional)
fresh hand pulled mozzarella cheese, sliced
baby spinach
red onion, sliced
tomato, sliced
extra virgin olive oil
garlic powder
dried basil
salt & pepper

1. mix together olive oil, garlic powder, basil, salt & pepper.  i usually do about 2 tbs of olive oil for 4 sandwiches, with about 2 tsp each of the garlic powder & basil.  salt & pepper is to taste.
2. lightly brush olive oil mixture on top and bottom of bread.
3. layer the sandwich with pepperoni, cheese, onion, baby spinach and tomato.

enjoy! =)

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download a printable copy of this recipe at...
http://www.oncupcakemoon.com/recipes/focacciacheesesandwich.pdf