Skillet Bread

In a large (10 or 12") cast iron pan, place:

2 Tbsps Olive Oil (preferably NOT extra virgin)

In a large bowl, place:

2/3 cup warm-ish water (not hot)

1/2 tsp yeast (active dry or rapid rise)

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp Olive Oil (preferably NOT extra virgin)

2 cups all purpose flour 

and whatever you'd like on top!  may we suggest:

3 Tbsps Olive Oil (preferably NOT extra virgin)

2 tsps coarse sea salt

1 onion, sliced and sauteed or caramelized

1 shallot, minced

3-4 sprigs of thyme

1/2 cup fresh spinach or chard

1 large tomato, sliced

1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded or sliced

1) Mix all of your ingredients in the large bowl together with a wooden spoon.  Once it comes together, go ahead and knead them for 5 minutes.  Don't worry if this looks and feels very sticky.  Add just enough flour to make it workable.  You can also do this with a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.  

2) Place the dough in your skillet and allow it to rise for 2 hours.

3) Preheat your oven to 500 degrees.  Dimple your dough lightly, especially in the middle.

4) Lightly brush the olive oil over the bread.  Top with your goodies and sprinkle the cheese.

5) Bake for at least 25 minutes.  Once a nice golden color, remove from oven and serve warm.

Source: The Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories