- Aug 04, 2012 -

Sarah’s Foccacia { Reduced Gluten }

Playing in the kitchen is a delicate balancing act

a symphony of pots juggling while spoons fly in the air above our heads

and lids crash about..

plates get tilted and scraped then

deftly scrubbed clean for the next

round…

it’s a masterful demonstration of culinary technique!

♥

But then there’s grilling… I ask you…

Should the theater of barbecuing be left to The Men?

{ Code Name } “Man’s Job”

{ Hint: some men receive specific skill-set training to enable the correct coordination and response when undertaking certain “Grilling Tactics”. }

♥

The kitchen becomes

The Command Center for the Covert Sting Operation

as the Scope of their Mission is assessed…

Central Intelligence is employed by the Commanding Officer and

Stealth Tactics may come into play with Allies only brought in as needed for Back-Up:

“Where’s the meat?”

“I’m going out!”

“Has the barbecue been properly cleaned?”

“Is the barbecue lit?”

“I need a rag!”

“Quick, open the door!”

“Bring me the spatula!”

“Where is the barbecue sauce?”

“You forgot the brush!”

“Do you think these are done?”

“Quick, get me a clean plate.”

♥

if you look carefully, you may see one of these

Special Agents

lurking behind your screen door,

spatula raised and aimed in one hand

plate securely stowed in the other…

gesticulating wildly

for the door to be opened…

♥

*All persons appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real husbands persons, is purely coincidental

We spent the day making our favorite Extra Meaty Pork Back Ribs.. stowed them in the oven before grilling, blended up a Banana Rum Smoothie in our Margaritaville and sat back to watch the show (2012 Olympics).

The foccacia was whipped up effortlessly the night before and had baked a golden brown. It was heaven dipped in olive oil and balsamic. Could dinner really be so effortless? “It darn well should be!” I thought as I sipped and snacked.

Our “Epic Kitchen Sink Salad” was tossed.. a basic greens and spinach laden with niblets of corn, grapefruit chunks, avocado slices, dates and Black Turtle Beans (I know.. they were actually called that and that’s precisely the only reason I bought them:D). The dressing came from a bottle but was made by a local friend-of-a-friend, the next best thing to homemade.

“Woah.. wait just a second.. now back up a bit.. what about that foccacia?” 

Well, I’m so glad you asked. That awesome recipe came from a darling gal’s website.. Sarah Owens over at Sarah’s Place. Her blog is a peaceful escape.. filled with recipes, photography, sewing.. and knitting!! If she lived closer I’d ask her to teach me how to knit! Make sure to go visit her.. there’s plenty of fantastic recipes where this one came from!

Back to the foccacia.. I had to switch out a few ingredients { we are at the lake, after all } and tarragon wasn’t at hand. The flours were substituted with Spelt and Brown Rice to reduce (but not elimate) the Gluten Factor for us. I think this only slightly changed the texture to be a little less fluffy when baked.. so be sure not to over-bake it in the oven and devour right away { who wouldn’t? }. Spelt flour is more water-soluble and is made from spelt and not wheat. Those who are only sensitive to wheat gluten may do well when eating foods made with spelt. It’s filled with protein, manganese, vitamin B2, copper, niacin, phosphorus, and fiber.

This recipe was so simple and perfect for summers at the lake… if Sarah were here I’d give her a big bear hug of thanks! And.. a jarful of our “Summer Madness Margarita” to get us through the Grilling!

Sarah's Foccacia { Reduced Gluten }
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tsp dried herbs de provence
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp rapid rise gluten-free yeast (like Bakipan)
2 cups white spelt flour
1 cup brown rice flour
When baking: sea salt, olive oil, grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix first 9 ingredients in order. Stir and then quickly knead a few times to mix thoroughly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, bring the dough to room temperature. This may take about one hour.
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Gently press the dough into a 9” x 13” inch baking dish. Make some dimples in the bread with your fingers and drizzle some more olive oil over the top. Sprinkle some toppings on your bread at this point if you’d like. I sprinkled some sea salt over mine, but you can add herbs or cheese too. (Next time I’ll try adding some fresh rosemary at this point).
Bake for 20-25 minutes, check after 15, to keep the foccacia from overbaking and drying out.
Just a Smidgen http://justasmidgen.com/
 


Top Canadian Blogs - Top Blogs

Related Posts

Zemanta

by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen

link to this post
Send to a Friend
Lynda BalslevAugust 4, 2012 - 11:59 am

Beautiful photos and wonderful recipe – love the spelt.

yummychunkletAugust 4, 2012 - 12:57 pm

Love the pre-baked photo with the pools of savory olive oil!

Mad DogAugust 4, 2012 - 1:01 pm

I could eat foccacia and ribs right now!

frugalfeedingAugust 4, 2012 - 1:10 pm

That looks wonderful, Barb. Do you mind me calling you Barb? I think it’s a cool nickname…. it makes you sound dangerous. I love foccacia. I’m holding back on my own for now until I come up with a really different version :D

cravesadventureAugust 4, 2012 - 1:10 pm

Bread is another downfall of mine just like sweets – YUM! Have a Great Weekend:)

imagesbytdashfieldAugust 4, 2012 - 2:14 pm

Oh goodieness!!! xo

Choc Chip UruAugust 4, 2012 - 2:17 pm

Your kitchen seems like it is above human, sitting on a cloud – seriously, your photos are so dreamy and your writing is terrific :D
I adore this focaccia bread recipe as well!

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Eva TaylorAugust 4, 2012 - 2:46 pm

I have often thought of my kitchen dance as a carefully orchestrated tango whilst we prepare dinner. It’s great when the men ‘make dinner’ by grilling; we, of course, bought the meat, prepared it, plate it and serve it. But they get to say they made dinner!

thekalechroniclesAugust 4, 2012 - 3:50 pm

I like that this focaccia looks flatter and crisper than regular focaccia, which is too doughy for me to love — maybe I should try some spelt flour.

MiskyAugust 4, 2012 - 3:55 pm

That looks fab. I just made scones, so perhaps your bread is next on my to-make list.

SarahAugust 4, 2012 - 5:25 pm

I can see you have a secret video camera on our kitchen….and our patio? LOL! I love that Smidge, it’s so true!

Oh how wonderful your Foccacia looks. As I told you in that windy bag-y email I just sent you, I was in the grocery store when I read the post, (It’s uncanny how you do that!), so I was able to pick up the spelt right then and there. I am SO excited to start this tonight. Hubby is too. Your brownies are such a big hit with him that he’s all about less gluten. Goodie! Thank you for testing these gluten-free recipes for us….I really do owe ya!

I wish I could teach you how to knit in person. We’d have such fun. I’ll teach you to knit, you teach me photography, deal? By the way, what font are you using to sign your pictures? I really love it.

Thanks again Smidge, you are a big star and so appreciated in this house! xoxo

musingmarAugust 4, 2012 - 5:59 pm

So funny! Barbecuing definitely seems to be a team sport sometimes, with the captain needing a lot of support from the sidelines! That focaccia looks like a great accompaniment to the grilled feature. Enjoy your time at the lake!

hotlyspicedAugust 4, 2012 - 6:10 pm

That fictitious male sounds a lot like a fictitious male I have in my kitchen too. I don’t know why they can’t organise themselves. I send him out to BBQ some meat but he expects me to assemble all the things he’ll need like oil, paper towel, a scraper, matches, torch, beer, foil, plates and more beer – too funny xx

girlinafoodfrenzyAugust 4, 2012 - 6:14 pm

Two of my favourite things! BBQ & home made bread :) I love that my sweetheart employs his long forgotten cave skills to cook that mean on the flame, I’m his happy plate bearing sidekick anyday!

ceciliagAugust 4, 2012 - 7:42 pm

You are so funny, I have that whole clean plate, and the pepper thing timed so he opens his mouth I stuff something out the door, he closes his mouth.. .. so funny you are!! foccacia looks great, I bet it tasted just awesome.. is tomorrow really sunday already? mercy time is flying fast lately, but have a lovely rest of the weekend anyway! c

saffronandhoneyAugust 4, 2012 - 9:54 pm

You’re right about the balancing act and I so enjoyed your story, Smidge! Love the air pockets in the foccacia, looks perfectly delicious.

wendy@chezchloeAugust 4, 2012 - 11:19 pm

Great recipes and photos. And I love the lavender agapanthus… at least that’s what I think it is :-)

vivekaAugust 5, 2012 - 12:25 am

Barbara, I think the BBQ is where men … feel very manly – their favorite summer toy. Foccaica – one of my favorite bread … nothing I would bake myself *smile – lovely photos again. Your such a delicate eye .. for detail.s

ChgoJohnAugust 5, 2012 - 12:30 am

What a great post, Barb! It isn’t easy to combine elements from an orchestra with Central Intelligence matters but you managed to do it. I, too, enjoy Sarah’s blog. She is such a delight and her blog reflects that.
I admire your going gluten-free, although it is a dietary change I could never make unless forced to do so — at gunpoint, presumably. GF pastas still aren’t “there” yet and, well, going without pasta is just one bridge too far. :)

thecompletecookbookAugust 5, 2012 - 3:54 am

Aah yes, seems a lot of us have one of those “fictitious” husbands. I say not more!
Love Sarah’s site – she is a darling!
Gorgeous post Smidfge.
:-) Mandy

Keep Calm and Eat OnAugust 5, 2012 - 7:49 am

Hence the saying “behind every successful man is a woman”. God, it feels great to think women can BBQ so good! Ha ha ha.
I have to say again, I enjoy your blog posts a lot.

kateshrewsdayAugust 5, 2012 - 8:16 am

Great post, Barbara! I have often been at the eye of a command centre like that…and the recipe looks delicious.

CourtneyAugust 5, 2012 - 9:58 am

I’d always wondered what spelt was, so thanks for a little explanation. :) And, um, we certainly have a secret agent around here, too. Too funny! Love the bread, m’dear – looks absolutely lovely.

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:22 am

Thanks :D

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:22 am

When I look at it.. I can almost smell the yeast:)

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:23 am

It was such a great meal.. I could right now myself;)

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:23 am

I love being dangerous;D Hahaha.. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.. Nick!!

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:25 am

I find it interesting.. now that I have switched to less gluten.. I don’t seem to have the carb cravings? But maybe I’m just imagining it… xx

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:26 am

xx

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:26 am

Awww.. I love that.. and would be perched on a cloud right now if I could:D Thanks CCU!! xx

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:28 am

Oh.. I love that metaphor even better.. it is a tango when there are two in the kitchen! Yes.. and my guests will start telling the hubs how great the meat has been grilled as well.. lol!! But I definitely don’t have the knack, I typically burn when grilling so I’m happy he likes to do it for us!!

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:28 am

I LOVE scones.. I think that’s my one weakness.. xx

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:29 am

I hope you like this version as much as your own.. it definitely isn’t as “fluffy” but still tasted good! Wouldn’t it be fun to knit together?? My font is from a photo editing website at http://www.pxlr.com I go to express and then the handwriting fonts and select Jenna. There’s lots to choose from there.. but it’s my fav right now. xx

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:30 am

Hahaha.. it’s def a team sport.. maybe an Olympic one, lol?? We will, I hope you’re enjoying your summer?!

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:31 am

I know, eh?? It’s the same for home repairs.. but that is my next post:D

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:31 am

Me too.. I just burn stuff on the grill. I think he feels the same way about the oven:D

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:32 am

Hahaha.. now that’s even funnier!! I know.. before we know it fall will be here! I hope you’re not overworking it on your farmy:)

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:33 am

Nothing is more fragrant than a bread dough rising with yeast, eh? xx

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:34 am

I was wondering what it was.. I bought it at the grocers so it didn’t come with a name. I also wonder what climate it grows in and whether I could grow some in our Zone 3/4?? xx

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:34 am

Here’s to manly men who love to grill.. because I certainly don’t:D

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:36 am

Sarah’s just so awesome:D I am not going gluten-free.. especially when it comes to making home-made pasta.. where would the world be without a generous bowl of Bartolini Pasta??!! Yes.. it is one bridge I wouldn’t cross without coming back again and again:D

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:36 am

Oh.. I wasn’t commenting on our husbands?? Right;D Thanks Mandy! xx

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:36 am

Hahaha.. some women can.. I’m one of those who’s not the best at it!

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:37 am

Yes.. I think many of us have:) Thanks Kate!! xx

Barbara Bamber | justasmidgenAugust 5, 2012 - 10:37 am

Thank you Courtney.. good luck with your Secret Agent!! xx

Chica AndaluzaAugust 5, 2012 - 10:50 am

Your observations are SO true! Very funny :) Beautiful focaccia, am now craving it…

Korena in the KitchenAugust 5, 2012 - 12:09 pm

Focaccia is on my summer baking list, too! Your version looks delish. Your grilling story made me laugh – I’ve definitely been there! ;)

Just Add AttitudeAugust 5, 2012 - 12:23 pm

I hope you are enjoying your time by the lake. The images are lovely and your description of *Operation Barbecue* made me laugh.

CharlesAugust 5, 2012 - 4:42 pm

I hate to say it, but I could easily eat that entire foccacia. I’ve got a real obsession with bread right now… can’t get enough of the stuff, and it’s not good… too many carbs aren’t really the way to a “buff belly”, sigh :( Lovely looking bread though- I never made a foccacia before – might need to remedy that soon!

Three Well BeingsAugust 5, 2012 - 7:47 pm

I don’t have a particular reason to avoid gluten, but I love the flours used in this recipe, and it sounds wonderful. Foccacia is just a wonderful “invention” if you ask me! :-) Thanks for a wonderful post…again! :-) Debra

KristyAugust 5, 2012 - 9:47 pm

Smidge, I was cracking up! We have one of those secret agents in our house too. ;) LOL!!!! That just absolutely cracked me up! She was on duty tonight in fact. This foccacia looks just wonderful. Like Charles, I have no doubt I could finish it off myself. Bread is one of my major weaknesses. ;)

thecompletecookbookAugust 6, 2012 - 1:04 am

Oh absolutely not ;-)

rsmacaalayAugust 6, 2012 - 1:57 am

I so love that bread, specially freshly baked paired with hummus

vivekaAugust 6, 2012 - 2:24 am

Same … don’t like to grill – the smell goes in hair and clothes. Good for you – and I think its nice that men get a chance to show off. *smile

SarahAugust 6, 2012 - 10:21 am

It was delicious! Hubby took the leftovers to work today. Boo! I love it. It wasn’t quite as fluffy, but it was close! And just as tasty too. I’m crazy about it.

Thanks for the info on the font, I love how it looks with your pictures. It’s like you signed them yourself.

Happy Monday Smidge!

niasunsetAugust 6, 2012 - 2:06 pm

As always so beautiful photographs, recipe… Thank you dear Barbara, love, nia

BluejellybeansAugust 6, 2012 - 4:29 pm

Haha! Men and BBQ!!! They go way back to that moment when a woman lighted the first fire and one man came and said he’d just discovered it ;)
Loved the foccacia, btw :)

KarenAugust 6, 2012 - 7:19 pm

It is wonderful that you have a foccacia that lets you have something that is reduced gluten. Foccacia is something that is irresistible.

trixfred30August 7, 2012 - 3:48 am

Good grief that script sounds just like me at the BBQ – i do love a good cooking melodrama!

Savory SimpleAugust 7, 2012 - 5:41 am

I love the whimsical photos. And foccacia is a favorite of mine. I tried to do whole wheat one time (to be healthier, not reduce gluten) and didn’t like it. This looks much better and healthier!

Coleen PatrickAugust 7, 2012 - 1:52 pm

I love your post format! The writing and photos–all awesome :) It’s always fun to come here–and then I have to go and get a snack!

bitsandbreadcrumbsAugust 7, 2012 - 2:52 pm

I laughed because that scene has played many a time in our house/kitchen/grilling theater! What beautiful focaccia. I need to try my hand at that as I do love it!

glutenfreezenAugust 7, 2012 - 9:40 pm

Yum, looks delicious!

spreeAugust 8, 2012 - 10:51 am

Simply Loverly! (and too true on the grill part!) :) what a great sounding recipe Smidge, and I like the ways you adapted it to what’s on hand and to reduce the gluten. Life doesn’t get a whole lot better than what you’re eating, who you’re eating with and where! And your photos here were beautiful too Smidge! xox

My Italian Smörgåsbord (Aka Barbara)August 8, 2012 - 2:13 pm

love love love this! the picture of the the uncooked dough takes my breath away (I am a bread nerd). the baked focaccia looks thin and crunchy like a type of Roman pizza I used to love.

Yudith @ Blissfully DeliciousAugust 8, 2012 - 8:46 pm

Those conversations sound like the ones taking place in my kitchen too!! :) Love the bread Barb.

wendy@chezchloeAugust 12, 2012 - 1:35 am

I think they like a little warmer zone- I did read there was a new variety good to zone 5. But best is to check it out online (or old school… in a book at the library:-) They are lovely.

KaristaAugust 12, 2012 - 9:28 am

Hahahaha! Was my husband grilling at your house? Brilliant post! I’m still laughing and will most likely giggle a bit this afternoon as another covert sting operation commences at my house today. :) love the focaccia recipe too. Yum!

Carolyn ChanSeptember 4, 2012 - 3:00 am

I love those pools of olive oil before the dough was baked. I can imagine them all getting sucked into the dough as it cooks – delicious !

kathryningridSeptember 5, 2012 - 1:31 pm

I used to make focaccia pretty often–now I need to get back to it!

Your email is never published or shared.

CommentLuv badge
M e t a