Sweet and Savory Focaccia

the lighting's better in my bedroom. shhh.

Also known as "Strawberry Pizza". This INCREDIBLY easy homemade focaccia is perfect for the summer-- strawberries, basil, onions carmelized in maple syrup / balsamic vinegar & big flecks of sea salt on top. I took mine to a friend's backyard, where we generously spread goat cheese on top and drank prosecco with a splash of pomegranate juice... Needless to say, both the pan and the bottle were quickly emptied.

I've had less-than-perfect experiences with making bread in the past, but this is SO easy, you really can't mess it up. If I can do it, you can too.

Strawberry Focaccia with Maple-Balsamic Onions
(recipe from Saveur - I didn't change it at all!)

1 1/4 oz package dry yeast
1 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees F)
1 teaspoon honey
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 cup plus 5 Tbs olive oil, divided
1 medium sweet onion, quartered and thinly sliced
2 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced lengthwise into 1/8-inch pieces
8-10 fresh basil leaves, sliced chiffonade
Coarse sea salt

1. Combine yeast, water and honey in a medium bowl; let rest for about 5 minutes, until bubbles form on the top. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt; set aside. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir well to combine, then turn dough onto a lightly flour surface and knead until dough is smooth and supple, about 10 minutes. Form dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rest until the dough approximately doubles in size, about 1 hour.

2. Brush a 9x13-inch baking sheet with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Remove dough from bowl and press it into the sheet with your fingers until it touches the edges. Using your fingers, gently press indentations into the dough, all over the surface. Gently brush the dough with 2 tablespoons of olive oil; let rest, lightly covered, until it puffs up slightly, about 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized, 15-20 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar and maple syrup; let cook until liquid is evaporated, 2-3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and allow to cool slightly.

4. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly press strawberry slices into the top of the dough, then scatter onions and basil evenly across the top. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top and sprinkle with sea salt to taste. Bake until the focaccia is golden, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before cutting into pieces. Serve drizzled with more olive oil or spread with fresh goat cheese.