Pantry goods to save the day!
by girlinafoodfrenzy
This recipe was born out of necessity. As we near the end of a somewhat busy week it’s time to relax mid morning and finally enjoy a little brunch at home.
Actually, after the regular week has taken its toll on my poor fridge, it’s time to reconvene and think about what I could actually make this morning. Yes folks, I’ve had more frenzy and a few less food moments this week.
Perhaps with those pantry items we have (hanging) around, simple things like flour, yeast, olive oil and onions would become something a bit more special. If you’re lucky you might have a few more items like anchovy, fetta or a number of other yummy things.
Necessity therefore dictates that I will make a Focaccia today. A Focaccia with caramelised onion & all the yummy bits!
Like this, you might want to see,
Honey bread with 24 hr Biga starter
Play Dough!
The Plastic Bag Bread, aka Cheat’s Sourdough
I am so bad at making bread it’s shameful. This recipe doesn’t call for kneading twice, and seems less complicated. You are either inspiring me again to try make bread or I might be just very very hungry at 11:45pm!
It’s definitely one of the least complicated methods around. My secret is the dough is quite moist when it raises and then I simply stir a little flour in at the end to get a soft dough. I rarely knead the bread, I usually stir with a large sturdy spatula.
Would taste mighty lovely with some home made rose jam I’d say!
It’s 12:15pm, still awake wanting that focaccia and now thanks to you I want it with my rose jam! Too bad I’m gone on vacation tomorrow or else I’d be making your focaccia at the very crack of dawn. You take good pictures…they torment me.
I’m very glad to hear you’re still enjoying the pics. Just think Vacation! Youre going on holiday so you can relax and won’t have to cook & clean
two words: caramelized onions!!! two other words: feta cheese … sorry, I just passed out there for a moment.
Pretty good for a there’s-not-much in the fridge at the moment cooking session
V glad you approve of the flavours too, have a great weekend!
Those two pictures of the dough under the onions at the top made me very excited, it just looks so beautiful and satisfying! That last picture as well, with all the holes in the bread and the caramelised onions on top….mmm…delilcious!
Thanks Lorna, I love that you take the time to be enthused over everything I make, even a little bit of onion bread! Things are getting busier & busier with next term starting tomorrow, back to school for me & soups, stocks and sauces
Hope you’re having a pleasant weekend.
I can’t help getting enthusiastic, your photos constantly amaze me! I’m really looking forward to your soups, stocks and sauces. It’s the perfect time of year for you to be enjoying soup isn’t it? I like soup all year round, myself, mind you. I hope the new term gets off to a great start!
Even better, my next class after that will be pastry so it’ll be a great class to end the year on too
Caramelised onions and delicious bread is unbeatable my friend – a great choice of leftover pantry items
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks Uru, it’s not the prettiest looking bread in the world but it was definitely satisfying.
I love focaccia….and what a treat when you have nothing to cook! Go Alice!
Thank you Carla. I’m looking forward to seeing what treats you have made this weekend too
I just found your blog.. and am happy to be following you in your “frenzy”:D I’m impressed with your pantry skills! I think I could even make this, now that I have the recipe!
Thank you very much! I’m just getting started but really thrilled by the incredible community here of fellow bloggers and just foodie folk who like to cook too. Loved those dainty pink cupcakes of yours too, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment
You’re welcome
Especially like the caramelized onions, Nothing like the pantry recipe!!
Thank you! A pantry recipe is great when there’s those odds & ends in the house and you just want something yummy but simple. Well (simple) enough I guess. Good bread and caramelised onion are a match made in heaven!
Fabulous recipe Alice! And I hope your frenzied week slowed a bit. I feel your pain!
Thanks Karista, no doubt you’ve been busy with those girls, cooking up a storm. The end of the week will be a welcome relief, I’ve got the day free with my two girlfriends, so it’s brunch and a shopping trip to IKEA. A very welcome distraction!
Wow Alice! That looks absolutely delicious! I loooove caramelized onions and boy this focaccia just perfect-o!
Hi Sammie, thank you! It was a bit of therapy baking on my morning off but very welcome nonetheless! You know what I mean (busy week) finally home, bit of dough and later freshly baked goods, I think it should be used as a course of therapy throughout the world, lol!
Superbalicous! Hooray for pantry goods! It looks like you achieved the perfect texture.
I could see this focaccia on a board accompanied with cheeses, marinated olives, figs & pears, cured meats and chilled wine. Oh my…now I’m hungry. 
Always a wonderful combination… Wine, cheese and onions equal another favourite dish of mine too and that would be fondue! I’m constantly hungry when I scour all the delicious blogs out there!
Oooh, that is gorgeous focaccia! It looks so soft and pillowy. Caramelized onion is the perfect companion!
Thank you! It was quite pillowly, only because it’s winter here and I had the heater cranked up! I figure if I have flour, yeast, oil and onions I can always have something on hand.
I love focaccia, but more than that I like the caramelized onions you added to it. Good use of what was in your pantry!
It was a blessing in disguise. I’m thrilled that folks appreciate my showing off those pantry staples, sometimes the simple stuff is the good stuff.
Amazing. That is making me seriously hungry! I have to try it this weekend!
I figure a master baker like yourself will have no problems with cranking these babies out!