Lavender Focaccia - Focaccia alla lavanda

I was a little bit sceptical in using lavender flowers on focaccia, but I have to say that the flavour is so particular and good , everyone tasted it said that is was wonderful. I really can't explain the taste so you have to try it.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of honey

1 2/3 cups warm water

1 (1/4 oz.) envelope active dry yeast

5 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons salt

6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender flowers

1 clove garlic, minced

10 black olives minced (I used kalamata)
In a small bowl, combine honey with 1/2 cup of warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture; let the stand until foamy, 5 to 8 minutes.
Sift the flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in remaining water, yeast mixture, 2 teaspoons of salt and 4 tablespoons olive oil. Mix approximately 5 minutes or until you form a dough; transfer to your work surface. Knead for 10 minutes then add 2 teaspoons of salt and knead for 10 minutes.

While dough is rising (for 1-1 1/2 hour) , make the lavender garlic topping. Finely chop the lavender. In a small bowl, mix lavender black olives and garlic with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. MAke focaccia in a tin and make dimples in the dough with your fingers by pushing into the dough several times. Brush the lavender-garlic topping all over and into the dimples. Sprinkle with one teaspon of salt on top. Bake for 15 minutes at 425 F .

Italian Version - Versione Italiana

Ero un po' scettica nell'usare i fiori di lavanda sulla focaccia, ma devo dire che il sapore e' cosi' particolare e buono , tutti l'hanno assaggiata e hanno detto che era ottima. Non posso spiegarvi il sapore , dovete provarla !

Ingredienti
1 cucchiaio di miele
1 2/3 tazze di acqua tiepida
1 bustina di lievito di birra secco
5 tazze di farina
3 cucchiaini di sale
6 cucchiai di olio extra vergine di oliva
1 cucchiaio di fiori di lavanda secchi
1 spicchio di aglio tritato

olive nere tagliate a pezzetti (ho usato le kalamata)

In una piccola ciotola mischiare il miele con 1/2 tazza di acqua tiepida. Versare il lievito e far riposare per 5-8 minuti finche' si forma una schiuma in superficie.

In un'altra ciotola versare la farina , aggiungere l'acqua rimanente, il lievito dell'altra ciotola, e 4 cucchiai di olio extra vergine di oliva. Mischiare per circa 5 minuti, finche' si forma una palla. Impastare per 10 minuti quindi aggiungere 2 cucchiaini di sale.

Mentre l'impasto lievita (per 1-1 1/2 ora) preparare il condimento alla lavanda. Tritare finemente la lavanda , in una piccola ciotola , mescolare la lavanda le olive nere e l'aglio con i rimanenti 2 cucchiai di olio extra vergine di oliva. Formare la focaccia in una teglia e formare delle fossette con le dita sull'impasto. Versare sopra il condimento alla lavanda. Spolverare con un cucchiaino di sale. Cuocere per 15 minuti a 220°.

Il Duca in Trastevere - Restaurant pizzeria

Don't miss a walk in Trastevere area in Rome,and also don't miss a lunch or a dinner at this nice Restaurant .You can find here all the traditional dishes of Italian and Roman cooking and also a wonderful pizza cooked in a wood oven. Also fried specialities , fresh fish and selected meat, homemade cakes and a good wine list.

Garden,air conditioning.

Address:

Vicolo del Cinque,52,54,56

Area Trastevere

Closed on monday
Tel. 065817706Fax: 0658390568

Versione Italiana - Italian version

Non perdere una passeggiata nella zona di trastevere a Roma e anche non perdere un pranzo o una cena in questo bel ristorante. Troverai tutti i piatti tradizionali della cucina tipica Romana ed Italiana ed anche una spettacolare pizza cotta al forno a legna. Ancora specialita' fritte, pesce fresco e carne selezionata, dolci fatti in casa e una buona lista di vini.

Giardino e aria condizionata.

Indirizzo :

Vicolo del Cinque,52,54,56
Zona Trastevere
Chiuso il lunedi' Tel. 065817706Fax: 0658390568

Pizzarium - when pizza is a dream

Pizzarium address : Via della Meloria, 43
Great stand-up pizza place a short hike from the Vatican (stop at food emporium Castroni on the Via Cola di Rienzo en route). The pizza topped with potatoes is the most popular, and with good reason.

Versione Italian - Italian version
Indirizzo : Via della Meloria, 43
Eccezionale pizza a taglio vicinissimo al Vaticano (fai una visita anche alla drogheria Castroni a Via Cola Di Rienzo, e' di strada). La pizza con le patate e' la piu famosa e non a torto.

Let's make Pizza

I could eat pizza every day , even for breakfast. I think it's the most famous and good meal after pasta.

My girls ask me to make pizza very often since they like to knead flour and water.

I decide that it's time to find flour in every corner of my kitchen when my fridge is empty.

I always have flour and dried yeast...when I don't have time I use my wonderful bread machine.

Ingredients for 4 hungry persons...

1 and 1/2 cup of warm water

1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

4 cups of all purpose flour

1 full teaspoon of dried yeast

Put all the ingredients in the bread machine in the same order of above. Choose dough program.

Or...make a ball of dough with your hands. Let sit in a warm place (75-85°F) until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 450°F for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour.

Divide the dough in little balls. It depends how much high you want the pizza.I like the thin one.

More a high pizza you want ,more the dough balls have to be big.

Take one ball of dough and flatten it with your hands on a slightly floured work surface. Starting at the center and working outwards, use your fingertips to press the dough.

Prepare your desired toppings.

Mix tomato sauce with olive oil, salt , basil, oregano, chili powder (all the herbs you like)

Place the topping on the pizza.Bake pizza for 5-10 ten minutes (it depends on how high is). Then add on the top shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for other 3-4 minutes...It's ready !

I use my fantasy to make new toppings :

You can add ham, black olives , mushrooms and hard-boiled egg (we call it four season pizza).

Potato slice and rosemary.

Onion tomato and tuna fish.

Tomato and anchovies.

Tomato oregano and garlic.

Four cheeses (parmesan,mozzarella cheese, gorgonzola cheese, a sweet cheese on your taste)

In a few words use what you have at home and fantasy...

TIP : sometimes I make with my friends or my relatives a Pizza party, I put tons of ingredients on the table and everyone choose the personal topping. Lot of fun !