Kittencal's Parmesan-Herb Focaccia

Step 1: In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup warm water with 1 teaspoon sugar, and dry yeast, mix to slightly combine; cover with a tea towel and let stand for 8-10 minutes or until foamy.

Step 2: Fit a heavy-duty stand mixer with kneader hook.

Step 3: In the stainless steel mixer bowl add in 3 teaspoons salt, 4 1/2 cups flour, herbs, 2 teaspoons sugar and 1/3 cup oil.

Step 4: After the yeast is proofed, add it into the bowl with the remaining 1/2 cup warm water and start kneading (you might want to use the paddle attachment for this and then switch over to the kneader blade for kneading).

Step 5: Knead for about 8 minutes adding in small amounts of more flour if needed to create a soft semi-sticky smooth dough.

Step 6: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, cover with a clean tea towel and let rest for 8-10 minutes.

Step 7: Gather up dough and knead lightly for about 15 seconds so dough will come together nicely.

Step 8: Place the dough into a well-oiled bowl (turning to coat in oil).

Step 9: Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and let rise for about 50 minutes to 1 hour (depending on how warm your kitchen is, I rise my dough in a pre-warmed oven).

Step 10: Punch down and divide evenly in half.

Step 11: At this point you can place each piece of dough in an oiled bowl, cover and refrigerate to make later, or freeze, placing the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or more will make it easier to shape into the pan.

Step 12: Using a pastry brush, coat bottoms of two 13x9-inch baking pans with oil then sprinkle each with about 2 tablespoons cornmeal or more, or instead of oiling you could line bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 13: Place a piece of dough in the pan, then with fingers, press out and the up sides slightly by about 1-inch (if the dough will not shape good, just let dough rest covered for about 5 minutes, the continue shaping) don't worry if the dough is uneven or tears a bit.

Step 14: Cover each pan with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 20-30 minutes, or until about doubled.

Step 15: Set oven to 400°F.

Step 16: Lightly brush each top of dough with oil (can use olive or regular oil), then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, black pepper and Kosher salt or coarse salt.

Step 17: With lightly-oiled fingers make indentations (about 1/2-inch deep) and 1-inch apart all over the dough.

Step 18: Bake for about 20-22 minutes or until golden.

Step 19: Delicious!