This rosemary focaccia with red grapes and sea salt is ideal for all your summer gatherings and picnics! Perfectly bake it ahead of time, then savor each bite with a delightful glass of wine and a side of your favorite olives. Its vibrant flavors are sure to transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
Rosemary Focaccia with Roasted Red Grapes and Sea Salt: Your Perfect Summer Companion
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts and creative souls!
Can you believe we’re already well into June? It feels like only yesterday I was celebrating the arrival of beautiful, sunny spring weather, and now it seems I might have jinxed it! The start of summer has brought with it some unexpectedly cool and rainy days, making it feel more like a prolonged autumn. But fret not! While we eagerly await the return of truly glorious summer sunshine, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that promises to bring a ray of Italian warmth to your kitchen, regardless of the forecast outside.
This post isn’t just about crafting the perfect focaccia; it’s also a reflection of a personal journey I’ve been on with this blog, exploring new directions and evolving passions. If you’re here strictly for the culinary delight of this delectable Italian staple, feel free to scroll straight down to the recipe card. But if you’re curious about the thoughts and revelations that have been shaping my creative path, then I invite you to continue reading. Join me as I delve into the intricate dance of flavors in this rosemary focaccia and the exciting shifts happening behind the scenes of my online space.
Beyond the Recipe: A Journey of Passion and Growth
It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been actively blogging for over 14 months now. What started as a budding interest has blossomed into an undeniable passion, one that I find myself enjoying more and more with each passing day. My biggest dream is to transform this deeply cherished hobby into a fulfilling, full-time career that not only fuels my soul but also pays the bills. This aspiration has been a constant driving force, prompting me to continuously learn, adapt, and refine my craft.
Recently, however, I’ve felt a growing urge for change – a desire to shake things up, explore new options, and embrace innovative ideas. This sensation isn’t born from dissatisfaction, but rather from a profound discovery: my overall blogging passion is comprised of several distinct elements, each of which brings me immense joy, often even surpassing the act of blogging itself. Allow me to elaborate on these individual sources of inspiration that have been truly captivating my creative spirit.
Discovering New Joys: The Art of Food Photography and Styling
Firstly, there’s food photography, and indeed, photography in general. As many of you know, I initially embarked on this blogging adventure to share my culinary creations alongside beautiful images. I am, unapologetically, one of those “annoying” people who absolutely adores photographing food. I vividly recall attending a workshop where a fellow participant perfectly encapsulated my approach with a simple yet profound phrase: ‘the camera eats first.’ This sentiment truly resonates with how I interact with food and presentation.
Over time, I’ve noticed that the actual process of styling and capturing a dish, from selecting the perfect angle to adjusting the lighting, often brings me even more satisfaction than the cooking or recipe development itself. Don’t misunderstand; food remains, and likely always will be, a tremendous passion of mine. The alchemy of ingredients transforming into a delicious meal is endlessly fascinating. However, photography is rapidly ascending to a position of equal, if not greater, importance in my creative life. It’s the visual storytelling, the art of making food look as appetizing as it tastes, that truly excites me.
Secondly, there’s food styling – an art form in which I am constantly learning and growing, yet one that provides immense personal gratification. The meticulous process of selecting props, from textured fabrics and fresh flowers to unique ceramics and rustic backdrops, invigorates my creativity. The interplay of colors, shapes, and textures, all carefully arranged to create a harmonious visual narrative, is deeply satisfying. I often joke that soon, I’ll need a second house just to store all my “treasures” – my ever-expanding collection of plates, bowls, and linens. But if anyone asks, I certainly don’t have a problem! This joyful obsession with aesthetics extends beyond food, influencing my broader artistic vision and enriching my approach to every project.
Embracing the Challenge: Sharing Knowledge and Overcoming Fear
And then there’s a new, compelling urge – an “itch” to share more, to step beyond just recipes and pretty pictures. It’s exciting, but also incredibly daunting. I want to share the invaluable insights I’ve gained, the lessons I’ve learned, and the resources I’ve discovered during my journey in the blogosphere. My hope is that these experiences might help you uncover new passions, refine your own creative endeavors, or even inspire you to embark on your very own blogging adventure. This desire to guide and empower others, however, comes with a significant dose of fear.
The main hurdle, as is often the case, is myself. There’s a persistent voice that whispers, “You’re not a ‘professional’ blogger, you’re not an expert, so you shouldn’t be offering advice.” This fear of failing, or of being perceived as inadequate, is a powerful deterrent. Yet, there’s another, more courageous part of me that insists it’s time to shed the “newbie” title, cast aside shyness, and simply go for it. Even if I stumble, at least I’ll know I tried. That, in itself, is a victory.
So, I hope you’re ready to join me on this evolving journey. You can anticipate more posts dedicated to inspiration (much like the insights found here), practical resources (similar to the guidance shared here), and other valuable content that I hope you’ll find as beneficial as I have. Together, we can explore the depths of creative potential and build a supportive community.
Inspiring Voices: Blogs That Fuel Creativity and Growth
To kick things off in this spirit of sharing, I want to introduce you to a curated list of blogs that have been incredibly helpful and profoundly inspiring to me. Not all of them are strictly food-related, but each one, in its own unique way, offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that I believe will resonate with any creative individual looking to learn something new, grow their skills, or simply find a fresh perspective. These are the voices that have encouraged me to push boundaries and embrace new challenges.
- Adventures in Cooking: A truly stunning food and photography blog by the exceptionally talented Eva Kosmas Flores. Her artistic vision and ability to tell stories through vibrant images and delicious recipes make this one of my absolute favorites. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling.
- The Little Plantation: Created by the lovely Kimberly Espinel, whom I’ve had the distinct pleasure of meeting and learning from. Kimberly’s unique style is a huge inspiration to me. Her blog is not only filled with beautiful food photography but also generously shares invaluable tips and resources on blogging, photography techniques, and expert styling advice, making it a comprehensive guide for aspiring creatives.
- Jen Carrington: Jen also hosts an amazing podcast that I highly recommend. Her blog is a treasure trove of ideas and motivation for any online creative. I deeply admire her consistent effort to push people to realize their full potential and achieve their best work. It’s an exceptional platform for stimulating your mind and allowing new ideas to flourish.
- Blog Tutor: Authored by Andrew Wilder, this concise but incredibly helpful blog offers practical insights into the highlights and challenges of running a WordPress blog. It provides excellent tips for beginners, along with solid advice on the often-intimidating technical aspects of maintaining a successful online presence.
- Food Bloggers Central: Founded by Nagi Maehashi of RecipeTin Eats, this is an indispensable resource for anyone venturing into the food blogging space. Nagi’s page is brimming with free resources specifically tailored for food bloggers, covering everything from SEO to recipe development, all delivered with practical, actionable advice.
Want to explore even more truly inspiring blogs and unlock endless creative possibilities?
Fill in the form below to receive an exclusive bonus list featuring 15 additional incredibly inspiring blogs directly in your inbox. With this curated selection, you will never be stuck for ideas again and will always find fresh perspectives to fuel your passion!
So there you have it! A sample of truly exceptional blogs worth checking out. I’m quite certain I’ll be expanding on this list again in the future, as new inspirations constantly emerge.
The Star of the Show: Easy & Delicious Rosemary Focaccia
Now, let’s pivot back to today’s star: our fantastic recipe for rosemary focaccia! As a self-proclaimed bread enthusiast, I genuinely can’t imagine my life without a good loaf. This particular focaccia bread is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The most “challenging” aspect might be the kneading of the dough, which can get a bit sticky. However, this is easily remedied by having a generous amount of flour on hand for dusting your workspace and hands. While an electric mixer with a dough hook can certainly simplify the process, I’m a bit old-fashioned and actually prefer the therapeutic rhythm of kneading by hand. Beyond that, I promise you, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding bread recipes you’ll ever make!
The addition of roasted red grapes elevates this focaccia from delicious to extraordinary. Roasting the grapes concentrates their natural sweetness, creating bursts of juicy, caramelized flavor that perfectly complement the savory notes of rosemary and olive oil. If you prefer, the grapes can be omitted from the recipe, as the combination of fragrant olive oil, fresh rosemary, and flaky sea salt is undeniably awesome on its own. Alternatively, you can use fresh red grapes without roasting them first for a brighter, slightly tarter bite. Whichever way you choose to incorporate them, this rosemary focaccia bread is guaranteed to be a delightful culinary experience, perfect for picnics, appetizers, or simply enjoying with a meal.
📖 Recipe: Rosemary Focaccia with Red Grapes
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Rosemary Focaccia with Red Grapes and Sea Salt
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried active yeast
- 350 ml warm water
- 450 g strong bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 200 g red grapes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine caster sugar with dried yeast and warm water. Stir it gently and set aside for 5-10 minutes to activate. The mixture should become foamy on top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the strong bread flour, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and chopped rosemary. Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt and mix well. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. If the dough is too wet, add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface or use an electric mixer with a dough hook. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes by hand, or 8-10 minutes with a mixer, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and less sticky. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a clean, large bowl, then transfer the dough into it, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with cling film or a damp tea towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is proofing, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the red grapes evenly. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, until they are slightly softened and caramelized. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down. Lightly flour your work surface and stretch out the dough with your hands or a rolling pin until it’s roughly the size of your baking tray (a rectangular tray, approximately 9×13 inches, works well). Transfer the stretched dough to a baking tray lined with fresh parchment paper. Cover with a clean tea towel and allow it to undergo a second rise for another 30 minutes.
- After the second rise, gently press your fingers into the surface of the dough to create the characteristic focaccia indentations. Evenly distribute the cooled roasted grapes over the dough, pushing some into the dimples. Add a few fresh rosemary sprigs if desired, then generously drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining sea salt. Bake in the preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the crust to achieve its ideal texture. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for a more accurate result. While US customary conversions are provided, I haven’t personally tested the recipe using these measurements.
Nutrition
I genuinely hope this recipe brings a touch of Italian sunshine and rustic charm to your kitchen, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. More importantly, I hope my reflections inspire you to explore and nurture your own creative avenues, just as this blogging journey has continuously done for me. Thank you for taking the time to join me on this evolving adventure and for your incredible support. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and creations in the comments below – I always love hearing from you! And of course, for more delightful recipes, creative tips, and inspiring updates, be sure to subscribe to my email list.
Until next time, happy baking and happy creating!
xo Anna.