Christmas Focaccia

This is a different version of the regular Focaccia (which I love). It is pretty and very festive. Mixed fruit can be substituted for the candied cherries. I just like the red color.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• FOCACCIA

• 1  cup warm water (120 degrees)
• 2  tablespoons  oil
• 3 -3 1⁄2 cups flour
• 3  tablespoons sugar
• 1 (1/4ounce) package dry yeast
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon lemon peel
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 cup  candied cherry (chopped)
• 1⁄3 cup walnuts (chopped)
• 1⁄4 cup dried currants or 1⁄4 cup raisins

• TOPPING

• 1  tablespoon butter (melted)
• 2  tablespoons sugar

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine warm water and oil.
2. Add 1 1/2 cups flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, yeast, salt, lemon peel, and cinnamon; beat for 2 minutes at medium speed.
3. By hand, stir in cherries, walnuts, currants, and 1 1/2 cups flour until dough pulls cleanly away from sides of bowl.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place till double--45-60 minutes.
5. Grease a cookie sheet.
6. Remove dough and place on cookie sheet and with greased hands, gently knead and stretch and press dough to form a 12" round circle.
7. Brush with melted butter and prick several times with a fork.
8. Cover and let rise in warm place till light and double--about 40-50 minutes.
9. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
10. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar and bake for 15-20 minutes or till golden.
11. Remove and place on platter or serving tray; cool for 10 min and cut into wedges.
12. Serve warm with a nice cream cheese spread or a lemon butter spread.