Berry Focaccia with Sweet Mascarpone Cheese

Berry Focaccia with Sweetened Mascarpone Cheese

Overview
Berry Focaccia with Sweetened Mascarpone Cheese is a unique twist on traditional Italian focaccia. This recipe combines the hearty, chewy texture of freshly baked focaccia bread with the sweetness of mixed berries and the creamy richness of mascarpone cheese. Perfect for tea time or as a snack for your kids, this Italian-inspired delight is a true crowd-pleaser. The bread is topped with colorful mixed berries, drizzled with olive oil, and baked to golden perfection, creating a wonderful balance between savory, sweet, and tangy. To elevate the experience, it’s paired with a velvety mascarpone cheese, sweetened with honey and zest for a zesty finish.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 150 minutes
Total Time: 165 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Focaccia Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together briefly to ensure they are well mixed.

2. Add Flavor and Fat: Stir in the chopped sage (or rosemary) and olive oil. Alternatively, for a quicker process, you can use a food processor or stand mixer to combine the ingredients.

3. Activate Yeast: In a separate small bowl, combine 1 cup of lukewarm water with 2 teaspoons of honey (or sugar). Stir to dissolve the honey, then sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to rise.

4. Form the Dough:

   • If using a food processor or stand mixer: Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture while the machine runs on low speed. Add more water as necessary to form a soft dough.
   • If mixing by hand: Add the frothy yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a spoon. Then knead with your hands until the dough becomes soft and pliable.

5. Kneading the Dough: Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed for this process.

6. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides in oil. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Berries

1. Prepare the Berries: While the dough is rising, prepare the berries by cutting larger fruits, such as strawberries and cape gooseberries, in half. Leave the smaller berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, whole. Set the berries aside for topping the focaccia.

Step 3: Preparing the Sweetened Mascarpone Cheese

1. Mix Mascarpone Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, honey, and orange or lime zest until smooth and creamy. The sweetened mascarpone cheese will complement the slightly salty focaccia and burst of fruitiness from the berries.

Step 4: Shaping and Baking the Focaccia

1. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal parts if you prefer two smaller focaccia breads, or keep it as one larger piece.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease two 8-9 inch shallow cake pans with olive oil or use one large baking sheet. Place the dough in the pans or spread it out on the sheet, pressing it into an even layer.

3. Second Rise: Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel or oiled cling film and let it rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).

4. Dimple the Dough: After the second rise, use your fingertips to create deep dimples across the surface of the dough. This classic focaccia technique allows the olive oil and berries to settle into the dough as it bakes.

5. Add Toppings: Gently arrange the berries on top of the dough. Press them lightly into the dimples. Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough and sprinkle the granulated sugar on top.

6. Bake the Focaccia: Place the pan(s) in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the berry juices have started to burst and caramelize.

7. Cool and Garnish: Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Garnish with additional sage or rosemary for an aromatic finish.

Step 5: Serve

• Serving Suggestions: Serve the Berry Focaccia warm or at room temperature, alongside a dollop of the sweetened mascarpone cheese. This makes for a delightful tea-time treat or a sweet snack for kids’ lunch boxes.
• Pairing: It pairs wonderfully with a cup of Masala Chai or Coffee. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the creamy mascarpone, is truly irresistible.

Additional Tips:

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the focaccia in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust.
• Customizing Berries: Feel free to experiment with different berry combinations, such as blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries. You can even add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture.
• Mascarpone Substitute: If you can’t find mascarpone, cream cheese can be used as a substitute, although it will give a tangier flavor.

Enjoy the sweet and savory burst of flavors with this delightful Italian-inspired Berry Focaccia with Sweetened Mascarpone Cheese!