Festive Focaccia: A Cardinal-Inspired Bread Art Recipe

Create a Stunning Cardinal Focaccia: A Festive Bread Art Recipe!

As the holiday season approaches, the joy of cooking and baking fills the air.

This year, why not bring a touch of creativity to your table with a stunning and delicious festive focaccia? Inspired by the beauty of nature, this recipe features a charming cardinal design that will impress your guests and elevate your holiday spread.

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Ingredients

For the Focaccia Dough:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 2 tsp salt

- 1 tsp sugar

- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or your choice)

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For Topping:

- 1 red bell pepper (to create the cardinal)

- 1 yellow bell pepper (for the beak)

- 1 small red onion (for the eyes)

- Black olives (for the pupils)

- Pomegranate seeds (optional, for decoration)

- Fresh herbs (for embellishment)

- Edible flowers (optional, for garnish)
- pieces of portabella mushrooms ( for branches)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

3. Knead the Dough: Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

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Step 2: Shape the Focaccia

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare the Pan: Grease a large baking sheet or a rectangular baking pan with olive oil.

3. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared pan. Using your fingers, gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan. Create dimples all over the surface.

Step 3: Create the Cardinal Design

1. Design Your Cardinal: Use the sliced vegetables to create a cardinal on the focaccia.

- Body: Use the red bell pepper slices to form the shape of the bird.

- Beak: Add a piece of yellow bell pepper for the beak.

- Eyes: Place slices of red onion with black olives for the eyes.

- Details: Use pomegranate seeds, herbs, and edible flowers to add texture and color around the cardinal.

- branches: pieces of portabella mushrooms. I sliced along the rim of the mushroom caps to get a rounded edge

2. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with additional herbs.

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Step 4: Bake

1. Bake the Focaccia: Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

2. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Enjoy Your Creation!

This festive focaccia not only tastes amazing but also serves as a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. The vibrant colors and creative design will surely delight your family and friends. Plus, the soft, flavorful bread pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a stand-alone snack.

Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy, creativity, and delicious flavors!