by Quail Hollow Kitchens
We love mushrooms and many of us are amateur wild mushroom collectors in the San Lorenzo Valley. There is a great event coming up for mushroom lovers. Starting Jan 10th through the 12th is the 46th Annual Fungus Fair. As we all know our rainfall in the Santa Cruz Mountains makes where we live amazing for hunting oyster, candy caps and the beloved boletes and chanterelles. We forage only a few but hunting is a lovely pastime for the rainy season. My children loved to look forward to fall and spring mushroom hunts. We grab our guide books and head to our favorite spots. For more information go to http://ffsc.us/fair So, this issue of “The Recipe Box” is a tribute to a favorite Mushroom recipe.
Black Pepper Truffle Focaccia
Bloom 1 Tbs yeast in 2 cups warm 95-degree water
3 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs truffle oil
1 Tbs cracked black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
4 ½ cups bread flour
Mix bloomed yeast with 1 cup flour and oils, pepper and salt. Stir vigorously or use a dough hook for 1 minute. Add enough remaining flour ½ cup at a time to make a soft dough stirring vigorously or using a dough hook. This dough should be sticky and not completely smooth. Oil a bowl, add dough, cover with plastic wrap and allow to double in size. This takes 30 to 45 minutes or it can be put in the refrigerator and removed to rise next day. It will take longer to rise after refrigeration, so just be patient and allow to double in volume. Lightly oil a 15 x 10 x 1 pan. Slide dough onto pan and stretch to edges. (Note: The dough will slide around, so just take your time, do not punch down or knead this dough). Brush top of dough with 1Tbs olive oil and sprinkle on herbs and salt. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rise about 30 minutes until puffed. Bake at 450° for 20 to 30 minutes until brown. Be careful not to overbake this bread or it will be dry. Allow to cool before cutting.
Comments or suggestions are welcomed. Please contact Patricia Davis at
Information@QuailHollowKitchens.com
For more information about Patricia or her cooking classes go to:
www.QuailHollowKitchens.com or follow on social media at
www.instagram.com/quail_hollow_kitchens or www.facebook.com/quailhollowkitchens
