Apple, Pine Nut & Chocolate Sweet Focaccia

Sweet Focaccia with Apples, Pine Nuts, and Chocolate

A deliciously sweet twist on traditional focaccia, this recipe combines the richness of olive oil dough with the sweetness of peach jam, crisp apple slices, toasted pine nuts, and decadent dark chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful treat brings the best of both savory and sweet together in a warm, golden focaccia.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Stir and set aside for 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and become frothy.

2. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the Manitoba flour and the remaining sugar. Add the activated yeast mixture and the olive oil. Stir the ingredients together until they begin to form a dough.

3. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and begin kneading by hand. Continue kneading for about 5–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise:
   Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it in a warm place (such as a turned-off oven with the light on) for about 3 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

5. Prepare the Apples and Topping:
   While the dough is rising, core the apples and slice them thinly. Set aside. If you prefer, lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until golden and aromatic.

6. Shape the Focaccia:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using your hands, stretch the dough to cover the entire surface of the tray, ensuring an even thickness.

7. Add the Toppings:
   Spread the peach jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the apple slices neatly over the jam, followed by the pine nuts. Scatter the dark chocolate chips over the top.

8. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through. The topping should be slightly caramelized and the chocolate melted.

9. Serve:
   Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before cutting it into slices. Serve it warm for the best experience.

Tips for the Perfect Focaccia:

• For an extra rich flavor, you can brush the focaccia with a little extra virgin olive oil before baking.
• If you don’t have peach jam, feel free to use apricot or any fruit jam of your choice.
• This focaccia is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Enjoy your Sweet Focaccia with Apples, Pine Nuts, and Chocolate as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack for gatherings. It’s an irresistible treat that combines the flavors of fresh fruit and indulgent chocolate on a soft, chewy dough base!