Eggplant Focaccia Bread
part of my Farmer's Market Themed Menu
Eggplant is one of those vegetables that I'm always swooning over at the Farmer's Markets, but never know quite what to do with it. In the past, I have used it in a Roasted Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, or breaded and fried it as Eggplant Parmesan. Eggplant doesn't have a ton of flavor, but is great at picking up the flavors added to it - just be sure to add plenty of strong flavor with seasoning and herbs.
Making focaccia might sound a little daunting, but it is really one of the easiest things to do... especially when you use store-bought pizza dough. Pre-made (and pre-baked) pizza dough is one of my favorite shortcuts (remember my Pizza Party for Grown-ups Party Menu?). I buy it directly from a local pizzaria for about $2 each, or you can find it at most grocery stores in the deli section.
This focaccia is a beautiful addition to any table - it is visually impressive to serve AND it gives you an excuse to buy those stunning eggplants you see at the market.
Eggplant Focaccia Bread
part of my Farmer's Market Themed Menu
1 recipe of pizza dough
2 tablespoons of olive oil
..........
1/4 cup of olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of fresh thyme
2 tablespoons of rosemary
2 teaspoons of salt
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes1 small/medium eggplant
1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
On a baking sheet or in a casserole dish, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place dough into baking sheet/casserole dish and shape it into a rectangle, keeping it about 1/2-3/4 inch thick.
For sauce, in a microwave safe bowl mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon thyme, 1 tablespoon rosemary, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Spoon half of the mixture onto the dough, spread out.
Cut eggplant into thin slices and place onto the oiled dough. Drizzle the remaining oil mixture over the eggplant. Sprinkle cheese and remaining thyme, rosemary and salt over.
Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness and size of the focaccia.
Farmer's Market Themed Menu
The Eggplant Focaccia Bread is part of my Farm to Table Dinner Party Menu & Farmer's Market Table Setting. To see the entire menu & table setting, click here.
Heirloom Tomatoes with Green Goddess Dressing
Eggplant Focaccia Bread
Corn on the Cob with Basil Butter
Classic Cucumbers & Onions
Lemon & Chive Halibut in Parchment Bundles
Peach Crostada with Vanilla Ice Cream
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