Focaccia

Directions

1. 1
   Mix 2 cups flour with the dissolved yeast.
2. 2
   Knead the dough for 10 minutes, either by hand or in the bowl of an electric mixture with a dough hook.
3. 3
   Shape the dough into a ball, and put in an oiled bowl to rise until doubled in bulk, about 3 hours.
4. 4
   Punch down, put the dough on a floured board, and knead again, incorporating the remaining flour, 13 cup olive oil, water, and salt.
5. 5
   Knead until dough is smooth and elastic.
6. 6
   Let rise again in a covered bowl for another 3 hours.
7. 7
   Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
8. 8
   Divide the dough in half and roll out on a well-floured board to circles or squares 1/2 inch thick.
9. 9
   Brush with the remaining olive oil and press the topping of your choice into the top of each circle.
10. 10
    Bake on a baking sheet until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
11. 11
    Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges, squares, or triangles.