Focaccia Condita

-----------------------------------DOUGH----------------------------------- 1/4 ts Dried yeast

1/2 c Warm water

3 c Water, room temperature

3/4 c Durum flour biga, see recipe

7 1/2 c Durum flour

1 tb Salt

----------------------------TOPPING FOR 3 PIZZE---------------------------- 3 3/4 ts Oregano, chopped

6 tb Olive oil

2 lg Juicy tomatoes

3 ea Green onions, white part,

-- trimmed & sliced, opt. 3 ts Capers, optional

1 1/2 ts Salt

Olive oil Cornmeal Stir yeast into warm water in a mixing bowl & let proof for 10 minutes. Add the 3 c water & squeeze the biga into the flour through your fingers. Whisk in the flour & the salt, 1/2 c at a time until the dough becomes too thick to whisk. Using your hands, continue to mix until a dough is formed. Set it on a floured surface & knead 13 to 15 minutes until smooth & elasticy. Set dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl, cover tightly & leave to rise in a cool spot until tripled, 8 hours. Shape dough by turning out onto a floured surface & divide into 3 pieces. Shape each piece into a rough ball. Oil 3 14" or 15" pizza pans & stretch each ball of dough to cover (or roll with a rolling pin). If the dough resists, allow it to rest for a few minutes before resuming. You will need a 1" rim on each dough base. The dough can be left for up to an hour before being topped. Sprinkle the oregano over the dough & drizzle on the oil, spreading it over the top. Squeeze the tomato chunks right on top of the dough & scatter the rest on top. Add green onions & capers. Finish by sprinkling salt over. Preheat oven to 450F. Bake pizze until the crusts are golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Brush edges with oil & serve hot.

VARIATION: Shape dough into 3 rounds & place on oiled baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover & let rise for 2 hours. Bake at 450F until hollwo when tapped. Makes 3 loaves.