Pumpkin-Walnut Focaccia with Gruyère
The recipe makes two generous free-form loaves--one to enjoy now, and one to freeze later or give as a gift. If you're making the bread for the Chicken and Ham Sandwich with Artichoke-Tomato Spread, pat the dough into a 9-inch circle so the sandwiches will be easier to eat.
How to Make It
Step 1
Combine water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 1 cup flour and butter to yeast mixture; stir just until combined. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 30 minutes.
Step 2
Add pumpkin, salt, and nutmeg to flour mixture; stir until well combined. Add 2 1/4 cups flour and half of cheese; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining 1/4 cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).
Step 3
Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Divide dough in half; shape each half into an 8-inch circle. Place dough circles on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Sprinkle remaining cheese and nuts evenly over dough circles; press lightly to adhere. Lightly coat dough circles with cooking spray; cover and let rise 20 minutes (dough will not double in size).
Step 4
Preheat oven to 400°.
Step 5
Uncover dough; bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until loaves are browned on the bottom and cheese melts (shield loaves with foil to prevent overbrowning, if necessary). Cool on a wire rack.
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bella'skitchen's Review
This was the best bread recipe I've ever made! I substituted 1 cup white whole wheat flour and added 3 1/2 tsp of vital wheat gluten. I used the bread hook on my mixer to knead the dough, and it turned out wonderfully.
bahibektoi's Review
This was also my first attempt at making yeast bread, and it was great! It sounds a bit intimidating, but was actually a very simple recipe to follow.
beachgalny's Review
I'd love to hear from those who've tried this with whole wheat flour and/or less sugar. I'd like to try it with all whole wheat pastry flour and the 3T tried by another user.
KLStorck's Review
Yum-O! Great flavor and outstanding with a big bowl of soup, preferably a tomato based soup.
SallyM's Review