At Last, True Satisfaction

Dear Bloggers,
      Today I accomplished yet another high goal I set for myself, preparing focaccia bread that was absolutely delicious. I of course prepared a meal this evening, however my eyes were set on the focaccia and how amazing it turned out. Now, as well all know, bread making is an art and you have to be gentle, patient, and kind when kneading and rising. You really have to grow a bond with your bread or you truly will not have a beautiful work of art. This evening I prepared some season-steamed artichokes with a side of lentil split pea orzo. To make the artichokes, I began by cutting off the stem to the room of the artichoke, to create a flat surface. Then I chopped off the top leaves and trimmed the sharp edges along the remainder of the artichoke. I cleaned out the inside by removing the florets and prickly leaves. I drizzled them with olive oil and added some garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme and let them simmer on med-low for 25 minutes. On the side, I added split peas, lentils, water, salt, pepper, and thyme to a pot and let the legumes simmer on med-low for 35 minutes. Then I added 1 cup of orzo to the legumes and let it cook an additional 45 minutes. I added some flour to thicken the mixture and plated it as a bed underneath the artichoke. To the top of the artichoke, I added a dollop of basil garlic butter.

         Now to the focaccia! As I blogged about earlier, there is a recipe regarding the focaccia a few blogs below. After following her directions perfectly, my focaccia came out much more crunchy and moist than any that I could've ever purchased at a supermarket. You could add anything to this focaccia, but it's buttery flaky flavor that the olive oil adds just makes this bread stupendous. The little  pockets of love, and the buttery center, and the beautiful crunch when you bite into this bread. You could top it off with some bruschetta, insalata caprese, or even some pesto. Anything, and serve it as an appetizer. I have not a complaint in the world about this bread because it makes your mouth water. Anyways, I hope I've tantalized your taste buds enough for one night, until next time, stay healthy and happy cooking!