Filled Focaccia

Name: Filled Focaccia
Yield: makes 2 torte
Ingredients: 1 package active dry yeast; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for working the dough; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; Thinly sliced prosciutto (about 6 slices for each torta); Grated Taleggio or stracchino (about 5 ounces for each torta); Prosciutto-and-grated-cheese combination (about 4 slices prosciutto and 3 ounces; cheese for each torta); Broccoli di rape or other greens, sautéed with garlic; Tangy salad greens like arugula or mesclun mix; A food processor fitted with a steel blade; a wooden rolling pin; two 10-inch cast-iron skillets (or just one, if that’s what you have)

December 9, 2011

Here’s my version of our family’s favorite Umbrian road food: the torta al testo (or crescia) baked and served at Il Panaro, the outdoor eatery and truck stop near Gubbio (see this chapter’s introduction). The unique wood-oven-baked character of the Il Panaro torta is hard to replicate in the home kitchen, yet I’ve found that baking the breads in a cast-iron skillet gives very nice results. The dough is easy to mix and shape, so even if you’re a bread-baking novice you’ll have success with this one.

Recipe notes

Mango Sticky Rice

Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.

Popover-Topped Pot Pie

A lofty popover replaces pie crust in this vegetarian pot pie filled with potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, and asparagus.

Easy Egg Custard

With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.

Simple Hot Cocoa for One

With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Smoked Salmon Pasta With Capers and Dill

Cured fish, cream, and lemon make an elegant base for this unexpected one-pot pasta.

Spicy Honey Orange Shrimp (Xiang La Fengmi Xia)

A satisfying weeknight dinner from Tiffy Chen. Serve with rice or noodles.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.