Homemade Herb Focaccia And Ponti Balsamic Vinegar Of Modena Dip

A picnic is not the same without a good Balsamic vinegar and a chunk of focaccia. Just think, a delicious dry white wine, a beautiful piece of homemade focaccia, and a beautifully sweet and suave Balsamic vinegar to dip the beautiful bread into. I can think of balsamic vinegar you need to try, Ponti Balsamic Vinegar Of Modena.

Is your mouth watering already? Mine is thinking about it.

This recipe is very simple, delicious and a great accompaniment to your picnic this summer.

But as a bonus, I am also reviewing a beautiful Balsamic vinegar and sharing a sweet discount at Ciao Gusto Italian Deli at Ocado!

Ponti Balsamic Vinegar Of Modena Review

When you create delicious food and need something extra to your dish or meal, a decent Balsamic vinegar can help you out.

The Ponti Balsamic Vinegar Of Modena is available at Ciao Gusto Italian Deli at Ocado with a 20% discount on the whole range between July and August 2021. It is s a perfect choice. It is sweet, delicious and certainly moreish.

I’ve found with some Balsamic vinegar, they can be very tart and not appealing on their own. So as a dip can be really off-putting. Even when you mix it with good olive oil.

However, the Ponti Balsamic Vinegar Of Modena is nothing like this and I was very impressed with the quality and flavour.

It’s rich, bold and not overpowering. I was quite taken aback by how rich and sweet it was, without the bitter taste. The vinegar reminded me more of a fruity apple cider vinegar rather than a tart version.

Although it was a little thinner than I am used to, it soaked up beautifully with the focaccia and together, made the perfect team. Throw in some mozzarella, fresh plum tomatoes and rocket, you can make a delicious salad to go with it.

Home Made Herb Focaccia

A delicious, moreish and soft herb focaccia that can be used as a snack for a picnic, or cut to make the most beautiful sandwich. You can use any herbs you wish, including garlic. Add 2 cloves of grated garlic for a garlic version.

Ingredients:
120ml olive oil (extra-virgin if you have some)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 tablespoon fresh sage or 1/2 teaspoon fresh sage (or marjoram, oregano)
1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper (and a little more for the top)
230ml warm water
1 tablespoon honey
14g yeast
300g plain flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt and a good pinch of flaky or rock sea salt for the top

Preparation/Baking

1. In a pan, pour the olive oil and the fresh or dried herbs along with the black pepper and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Leave to the side to cool.
2. Add the warm water to a bowl along with the honey and yeast. Leave this for 5 minutes.
3. In a larger bowl, combine the yeast mixture and half of the oil and herbs. Then slowly add the flour and sea salt into the mixture and combine.
4. Once combined, knead for 15 minutes until smooth. Or 6 minutes in a stand mixer.
5. Lightly oil another bowl with a small amount of the infused herb oil and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour.
6. Add a little oil to a baking tray and turn out the risen dough, pressing it into the sides to shape the dough.
7. Press fingers into the dough to create pits all over the dough.
8. Smother the rest of the herb-infused oil over the top of the focaccia ensuring all of the herbs are entering the pits.
9. Sprinkle the flaky/rock sea salt over the top lightly
10. Place in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees celsius for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve with beautiful Balsamic vinegar!

Final Thoughts

A delicious balsamic vinegar deserves even more delicious focaccia to enjoy it with. Whether it is a snack, part of a meal, or using for a picnic, this is a great way to enjoy delicious food. Plus it is very easy to make.

Have you made focaccia before? Do you enjoy good balsamic vinegar?

*This is a collaboration post with Ciao Gusto