Welcome to Week 2 of the Fall Comfort Food Series
In this week’s recipe, we’re blending two worlds: the rustic charm of homemade focaccia and the sweet-savoury delight of our Maple Onion Jam. This bread recipe, adapted from Bon Appetit’s Shockingly Easy Focaccia Bread (find the original recipe here), is the perfect autumn treat.
The Art of Homemade Bread
There’s something incredibly rewarding about baking bread from scratch, especially when it involves a slow fermentation process like this focaccia. The overnight rise gives the dough time to develop deep, complex flavours, which are perfectly complemented by the sweetness of maple and onions. It’s a wonderful way to spend a cool fall afternoon, filling your home with the warm, inviting scent of fresh bread.
Handcrafted Olive Oil from OLiV Tasting Room
At White Meadows Farms, we believe in supporting local businesses, which is why we sourced the extra virgin olive oil for this recipe from OLiV Tasting Room in Niagara-on-the-Lake. OLiV partners with suppliers to offer premium EVOO from Italy’s Modena region. Their “branch to bottle” approach ensures high-quality control, as the oil is imported and infused with natural flavours right here in Niagara. We chose Arbequino Extra Virgin Olive Oil for this recipe for its smooth, buttery taste. Its mild flavour doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, and the light grassy notes add a nice touch of freshness to the bread. It’s a great choice for both baking and finishing, making it perfect for focaccia. OLiV also offers a lineup of flavoured oils, which would be perfect for adding an extra pop of flavour to this focaccia!
Maple Onion Jam: A Farm Favourite
Our Maple Onion Jam is truly one of our standout products. This rich, caramelized jam brings a whole new depth to any dish. The secret to its unforgettable flavour is the time and care we put into each batch. Imagine a large pot of onions slowly caramelizing for hours, their natural sugars mingling with our farm-fresh maple syrup. The result is a warm, sweet-savoury jam that fills the air with the cozy scent of home cooking. For this focaccia, we used an entire 250ml jar of Maple Onion Jam, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. Looking for more ways to enjoy it? Check out our recipe for Baked Flatbread here.
Customizing Your Focaccia
We baked our focaccia in an 18″x13″ sheet pan for a thinner, crispier loaf, perfect for slicing into long pieces. If you prefer a thicker, softer bread, try using a 9″x13″ pan or a cast iron skillet. While the Maple Onion Jam is delicious on its own, you can add your own twist with these toppings:
- Fresh Rosemary or Thyme
- Sliced Olives
- Halved Cherry Tomatoes
- A Sprinkle of Local Cheese
Serving Suggestions for Maple Onion Jam Focaccia
- With a Charcuterie Board: Slice the focaccia into small squares and serve alongside cured meats, cheeses, olives, and fruit.
- As a Sandwich Base: Use the focaccia to create gourmet sandwiches. Try roasted turkey, arugula, and goat cheese for a balanced combination of flavours.
- Accompanying Soups or Stews: Serve warm slices with hearty fall soups like roasted tomato or butternut squash.
- Topped with Fresh Greens: Create an open-faced tartine by topping focaccia with arugula, shaved parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- As an Appetizer: Cut into bite-sized pieces and drizzle with olive oil and sea salt. Pair with dips like whipped feta or roasted garlic hummus.
Celebrate the Season with Focaccia
Baking bread from scratch is not only a rewarding experience, but it also allows you to create something truly special to share with loved ones. The blend of sweet and savoury notes from the jam, paired with the artisanal olive oil from OLiV Tasting Room, elevates this dish, making it perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own toppings and serving suggestions, to create a personalized touch to this delightful bread. Join us next week as we continue our journey through fall’s culinary treasures—there’s much more to explore!
Focaccia Bread with Maple Onion Jam
Recipe
- 2¼ Tsp Active Dry Yeast
- 2 Tsp White Meadows Farms Maple Syrup
- 2 ½ Cups Lukewarm Water
- 5 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 ¾ Tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 6 Tbsp OLiV Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
- 250ml Jar of White Meadows Farms Maple Onion Jam
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together yeast, maple syrup, and lukewarm water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Once the yeast has bloomed, add flour and salt, mixing with a rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add 4 Tbsp of olive oil to a large bowl. Transfer the dough, coating it with oil. Cover and refrigerate for 8-24 hours, or leave at room temperature for 3-4 hours until doubled in size.
- Generously oil an 18″x13″ rimmed baking sheet. Deflate the dough by lifting and folding it into a ball. Transfer it to the baking sheet, coat with oil, and let it rise uncovered in a warm spot until doubled in size (2-4 hours).
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Check if the dough is ready by poking it; if it springs back, it’s good to go. With oiled hands, stretch the dough to fill the pan and dimple it with your fingers.
- Brush the dough generously with Maple Onion Jam and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
