CREATE A FOCACCIA GARDEN FOR YOUR EASTER TABLE CENTRE-PIECE

Hop into the Easter spirit with this on-trend recipe for a focaccia garden, that can be created in minutes, but will be talked about for months.

Whether you're hosting a long weekend brunch or preparing a delightful treat for the kids, this Focaccia Garden is certain to impress.

Decorated with fresh, seasonal edible produce, and inspired by florals and garden designs, bake a stunning centre-piece that’s perfect for any Easter festivities.

Focaccia Garden

Makes/Serves: 8-10

Skill level:: Easy

Cooking/Decorating time :40mins

Dough Rest Time: 12-15hrs

Ingredients:

FOCACCIA

• 540g (4 cups) bread

• Flour

• 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt + more for baking

• 2 tsps (8g) instant yeast

• 450g (2 cups) lukewarm water (1/2 cup boiling water + 1 1/2 cups cold water)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

POSSIBLE FOCACCIA GARDEN DECORATIONS

• Spanish onions

• French shallots

• Spring onions

• Capsicum

• Fresh herbs

• Capers/Caperberries

• Cherry tomatoes

• Olives

• Asparagus

• Seeds

• Rocket/Baby Spinach

Method:

1. In a large bowl combine flour, salt, and yeast and whisk. Add the water in a slow stream while mixing with a rubber spatula until a sticky dough ball forms.

2. Pour 2 tbsp olive oil over the dough ball and rub it all over the surface. Cover the bowl with clingfilm or a fabric bowl cover and transfer to the fridge for a least 12 hours (the dough can rest in the fridge for up to 48 hours but will need cling wrap if leaving it for that long)

3. Pour 2 tbsp olive oil into a Wiltshire Enamel Oblong Baking Dish 2.5L (25cm x 32cm) or a Wiltshire 1L/30cm Enamel Bake Tray and set aside.

4. Pour a little olive oil into your hands and rub them to coat, then release the dough in the bowl by scooping the sides into the middle with one hand, turning the bowl a little each time until the dough has pulled away from the edge.

5. Lift a 1/4 of the dough with one oiled hand and fold it back on top of the dough, then turn the bowl a quarter turn and fold again repeating until all sides of the dough has been folded and has formed a rough ball.

6. Transfer the dough to the oiled baking dish and toss to coat in the oil. Leave the dough to rise, uncovered on the kitchen bench for 3 hours.

7. Preheat oven to 210°C and place an oven rack in the middle position.

8. Oil your hands and using your fingertips, press down into the dough to create dimples. While dimpling the dough, press the dough into any corners where it didn’t rise. Use a combination of herbs and vegetables to create a garden scene on your focaccia.

9. Gently press the toppings into the dough and brush the entire surface with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and bake for 25-30 minutes until the focaccia base is golden.

10. Transfer the focaccia to a cooling rack and cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving warm.

Recipe by iconic Australian kitchenware brand, Wiltshire and recipe developer Amanda Dettrick (@letsmakestuff_au)