As you all know from time to time I will feature one of my or my husband's favorite recipes. If you've followed for some time you have probably figured out that we are both foodies and LOVE to eat great food. Several years ago following a car accident in which I shattered my arm rendering it totally immobile for several months and practically useless for almost a year, Shawn found himself learning a lot of new things such as how to do our young daughters pony tails, waking up early in the morning to get the kids off to school...a true shock to his system, house cleaning and last but not least, cooking for eight. He has always been the traditional "grill guy" but everyday cooking was something new to him to say the least. Much to our six kids and my liking, he absolutely fell in love with it.
Shawn discovered a natural inclination to great cooking and that making delicious food is relatively easy. Anymore it is he who cooks and meal plans most of the time. I still like to cook, but I gotta say that I like being cooked for even better, especially when I know it's Shawn doing the cooking. Mexican, Italian, American, German, even a delicious traditional Irish stew... But our favorites have to be his traditional Italian dishes & breads... which leads me to why I'm doing this post.
When friends and family come to eat at our house they constantly tell him that he should open a restaurant. Shawn's sister, Kym, finally convinced him to at least sell his Focaccia bread. It is absolutely delicious and has met locally with success. Every sale he's gotten has been solely by word of mouth... those are the best kind of sales! I asked him to take it to the next level and offer these fabulous breads in an Etsy shop, TheBistro2Go, which he has just opened with his sister, who makes some incredible cheeses (pictured below with some of Shawn's Focaccia and grapes, on a transfer ware dish of course, ...the only thing missing is a glass of wine).
Focaccia is a flat oven-baked Italian bread, which may be topped with herbs or other ingredients. It's remotely related to the pizza family, but not considered to be the same.
Focaccia is quite popular in Italy and is usually seasoned with olive oil and sometimes herbs, and may be topped with onion, cheese and meat, or flavored with a number of vegetables. However, by far the most typical focaccia is simply baked dough topped with olive oil and a simple herb like rosemary or sage and salted with coarse salt. It is very popular as a snack in Italy and school children will often purchase a slice from a baker on the way to school to enjoy at break time.
My favorite Focaccia that Shawn makes is one he refers to as Herbalicious. He starts with dough made from scratch and then infuses extra virgin olive oil plus three herbs (Oregano, Basil & Thyme) into the dough. Just before hitting the oven he covers the top with more brushed-on olive oil, coarse salt, freshly grated Parmesan cheese (you can also order it with Romano or Asiago as well), a generous layer of Mozzarella cheese and caramelized onion bits.
I asked Shawn to make these adorable, single serving Focaccia bread squares. I think they are so cute and are a great size for snacks or holiday entertaining!
Shawn also makes his Focaccia in 9" squares. Equally delish!
Shawn also makes his Focaccia in 9" squares. Equally delish!
Smelling it bake is absolute torture. The herbs are so aromatic and the smell of bread baking is irresistible.
To help jump start online sales, Shawn is offering one of my readers either 3 loaves or 24 single serve squares Focaccia bread ...your choice of flavors & toppings. He will make these fresh to order, and ship Priority right away. These freeze beautifully, in case you're wondering.
To enter this giveaway all you need to do is:
1) Visit The Bistro 2 Go and tell me what bread selection you'd choose (you can convo Shawn about any custom flavors you might desire... I know he'll be adding a jalapeno cheddar soon!)
2) If you're a follower of my blog leave another comment for an additional entry, or feel free to become a follower and leave an entry.
3) Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway, and leave another comment along with the link
I'll announce the winner next week!
I'm currently having another French Pillow Giveaway...click HERE to enter.
To help jump start online sales, Shawn is offering one of my readers either 3 loaves or 24 single serve squares Focaccia bread ...your choice of flavors & toppings. He will make these fresh to order, and ship Priority right away. These freeze beautifully, in case you're wondering.
To enter this giveaway all you need to do is:
1) Visit The Bistro 2 Go and tell me what bread selection you'd choose (you can convo Shawn about any custom flavors you might desire... I know he'll be adding a jalapeno cheddar soon!)
2) If you're a follower of my blog leave another comment for an additional entry, or feel free to become a follower and leave an entry.
3) Facebook or Tweet about the giveaway, and leave another comment along with the link
I'll announce the winner next week!
I'm currently having another French Pillow Giveaway...click HERE to enter.
Tempt my Tummy Tuesday,
Finer Things Friday,
Funky Junk Interiors
Food On Fridays, hosted by Ann Kroeker
Tatertots & Jello
HOH
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