The Heart Behind This Recipe
The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug. The gentle sizzle of olive oil bubbling, the soft crunch of the crust breaking as you slice into it. This is the magic of home cooking, especially during the bustling holiday season. Picture a chilly December evening in New York City, the lights twinkling outside your window, and there you are in your kitchen, surrounded by the people you love. You’re about to create something special together: Christmas Tree Focaccia.
This isn’t just any bread. It’s more than a meal; it’s a festive centerpiece that brings warmth and creativity to the table. The beauty of a Christmas Tree Focaccia lies in its delicious flavors and vibrant colors, paired with the joyful memories it creates. Each year, my family and I gather to make this recipe as a tradition, celebrating togetherness while indulging in a hearty, healthy dish. It’s an opportunity to express our creativity, connect with one another, and savor the season in a way that’s grounded yet delightful.
How to Make Christmas Tree Focaccia
Cooking this Christmas Tree Focaccia is like wrapping a present — each step reveals a delightful surprise. The process is simple and inviting, allowing kids and adults alike to get their hands in the dough. The sensory experience is perfect for a winter family activity. You feel the soft, elastic texture of the dough, watch it rise, and anticipate the wonderful smells that will soon drift through your home.
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
To start this delicious adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt
- 1 2/3 cups warm water
- 1 pear
- 1 cup pearl onions
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
- Plenty of olive oil (a few tablespoons)
If you can, find fresh rosemary. It adds such a fragrant touch reminiscent of holiday gatherings in the warmth of home. Each ingredient dances together to create a symphony of flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Directions
Now, let’s bring this Christmas Tree Focaccia to life, step by step.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, active dry yeast, and coarse salt. Whisk until everything is well mixed.
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Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, stir the dough together until it becomes shaggy and wet. It will look a little messy, but that’s perfect.
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Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place a clean kitchen towel over it. Set it aside at room temperature to rise overnight, at least 12 hours.
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The next day, grab a casserole dish (I typically use a size around 7×12 inches) and drizzle a generous amount of olive oil on the bottom.
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Uncover your dough. Expect to see it risen, bubbly, and absolutely beautiful. Carefully tip the dough out of the bowl and into the casserole dish. With your hands, spread the dough to fit snugly inside the dish, then use your fingers to dimple the surface. Drizzle it with more olive oil to enhance that glorious aroma.
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Cover the dish lightly and let it sit for two more hours. This will give it time to puff up just a bit more.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F.
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Now, let’s decorate our tree! Use the chopped rosemary as the branches, fanning them out to create a whimsical, festive shape. Slice your pear into a small piece to create the base of your tree. Halve the cherry tomatoes to act as colorful ornaments. Do the same with the pearl onions, peeling and slicing them in half. You can get creative here; perhaps a little slice of pear on top for the star? Let your imagination run wild.
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Once you’ve decorated to your heart’s content, sprinkle a touch of coarse salt on top and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that golden color and a puffed appearance, indicating the bread is perfectly cooked.
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Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice and serve! The delightful aroma will beckon your family to gather around the table.
This recipe yields one delightful loaf of focaccia, perfect for sharing.
Serving Christmas Tree Focaccia at the Family Table
When it’s time to serve the Christmas Tree Focaccia, the atmosphere in our home shifts. The warm bread sits at the center of the table, surrounded by the flicker of candlelight and the sound of laughter. My daughters’ eyes light up as they distract themselves with the unique shapes we’ve created. There’s conversation, a clinking of dishes, and the beautiful steam rising from the freshly baked focaccia.
As we gather to take our first bites, the crust breaks softly, revealing a fluffy interior. The flavor of rosemary mingles with the sweet pops of cherry tomatoes and the slight crunch of onions. There’s a joy in celebrating a meal that feels both ceremonial and comforting. Pairs perfectly with a light salad or a warm soup, but more than anything, it is about being together.
Storing and Reheating Christmas Tree Focaccia
After the feast, you may have some leftovers. Storing and reheating this Christmas Tree Focaccia is straightforward. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days.
If you want to enjoy it beyond that, you can freeze pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat it again, just reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The flavors will deepen overnight, making leftover focaccia just as delicious as the first serving.
Quick Tips from My Kitchen
Here are a few little secrets I’ve gathered over the years in my kitchen:
- Use fresh herbs if you can; they elevate the flavors beautifully. Basil, thyme, or even chives can provide a different yet delightful twist.
- If you like a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the olive oil drizzle before baking. It adds a hint of warmth.
- A cast-iron skillet works wonders — the heat distribution can help achieve a perfect crust.
- Don’t stress about the décor. It’s all about having fun and enjoying the process. Let the kids express their creativity.
- Want it fluffier? Let the dough rise an extra hour or two. The beauty of focaccia is in that airy texture.
Variations on Christmas Tree Focaccia
Cooking is all about expression, and this Christmas Tree Focaccia is no different. I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different ingredients and flavors through the years.
Swap out the traditional toppings for roasted garlic cloves, olives, or even some crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
For a seasonal flair, consider using butternut squash or pomegranate arils after baking for a touch of color and sweetness.
Since my daughters love experimenting, we also try out differing herb combinations — fresh parsley, dill, or even a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
FAQs About Christmas Tree Focaccia
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often prep the dough in the morning while the girls are still asleep. Then, I finish it right before dinner, keeping the flavor fresh and saving time later.
What if I don’t have bread flour?
While bread flour gives you the best texture, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. The focaccia may just turn out a little less chewy but still delicious.
How do I know when it’s cooked through?
Look for a golden-brown color, and if you tap the bottom of the focaccia, it should sound hollow.
Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms would be lovely.
Is it okay to leave out the yeast?
Yeast is crucial for making the dough rise, so I suggest sticking with it for a light and fluffy focaccia.
A Final Thought
As I reflect on our Christmas Tree Focaccia moments, I am reminded of the simple joys cooking brings. Each loaf is not just a culinary endeavor; it’s a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and warmth. These moments spent gathering in the kitchen transform ordinary days into extraordinary memories.
I hope this holiday season, you embrace the joy of home cooking. Remember, it’s not just about what ends up on the table but the love and laughter that fills the room while you’re cooking. So grab your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and cherish the experience of creating something beautiful together. Cooking should always be a delight, not a chore. Until next time, happy cooking and joyful feasting!
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Christmas Tree Focaccia
- Total Time: 765 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and flavorful focaccia bread shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 tsp coarse salt
- 1 2/3 cups warm water
- 1 pear
- 1 cup pearl onions
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
- Plenty of olive oil (a few tablespoons)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, active dry yeast, and coarse salt. Whisk until well mixed.
- Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough is shaggy and wet.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place a clean kitchen towel over it. Let it rise overnight, at least 12 hours.
- The next day, drizzle olive oil in a casserole dish and transfer the risen dough into the dish, spreading it to fit snugly.
- Lightly cover the dish and allow it to rise for two more hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Decorate the dough with chopped rosemary as branches, using sliced pear, halved cherry tomatoes, and pearl onions as ornaments. Sprinkle coarse salt on top.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor, and don’t stress about the decoration; it’s all about having fun. If you prefer a fluffier focaccia, let the dough rise extra time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
