Family traditions are important for kids to feel a sense of belonging.  Of course, in our family, we have a lot of food traditions.  Cinnamon Almonds at Christmas, and Focaccia Sandwiches for the Foruth of July. We call it “Fourth of July Focaccia!” We serve this at potlucks, and they are perfect for little fingers who aren’t interested in eating a big burger of the grill.

Focaccia bread is different than traditional bread in the sense that it is oily, crusty, and flat.  So, the key is rolling the bread out flat, and coating it with oil!  Here is our version:

First we start with the dough (recipe below), and let it rise for a good 90 minutes:

Second, roll the dough out onto a well greased cookie sheet (well- greased, meaning 2 TBL olive oil!)

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise again for about 30 minutes

Uncover, and spread more olive oil on top, spread dough to make sure it comes to the edges, and dimple the top.  Sprinkle with rosemary.

Next, let sit for a few minutes, while you heat the oven.   Cook in the oven at 425 for about 25 minutes.

If you greased it well enough, you can slide the entire thing out onto a cutting board.  Now, you want to try to cut the focaccia bread along the entire center to cut the top half away from the bottom half.

If your bread rises sufficiently, this will be easy.  If it’s flat, you may not get it to separate all the way.  No big deal- still tastes great!  

Then, with both halves of the bread open, add all your sandwich fixings.

Put the top back on, and cut into mini 2X2 inch sandwiches, or any size you like.

And that’s it! Make sure you fill your sandwiches with lot’s of veggies!