I had every intention of posting a recipe for blood orange smoothies, but because I am sitting in a room with 105 year old exposed brick staring me straight in the face while the aroma of meatballs and homemade bread come crashing through windows hitting me square in the nose, it’s best I share a recipe with a more Italian feel… Yeah, this makes sense…
This post for Focaccia with Lemony Greens & Parmesan has been ready and waiting for many days, patiently standing by for the right time to appear.
Its time has come.
If you’ve been following me on Instagram this week, you know I’m spending time with my chiclets in the North End of Boston.
A place where it’s very difficult to not be inspired by the history and the food that sits just outside their door. I’m always reminded of how happy I am to have a working sense of smell every time I visit. When I step across their threshold, to this extraordinary neighborhood, one that maintains its delicious Italian heritage in so many ways – but especially through its constant celebration of fried garlic, I bow with gratitude to the olfactory gods…
…ahhh(!) this neighborhood bustling with life… where small groups congregate over espresso at Caffe dello Sport, over cannoli at Mike’s Pastry, over bruschetta at Panza, I feel blessed to be part of such special moments, even if it’s just as observer. And as I congregate with my own girls, in this century old apartment, I can’t help but think about the many moms and daughters who have huddled in this very space before us. What were they doing? What did they talk about? As my daughters and I discuss our own hopes and happenings I know that regardless the activities of our generation, not much has changed about our need for connection, our need for sisterhood, our need for family.
And is there any better way to bring families together than over food? Has there ever been a better way?
I hope this focaccia with all its savory goodness brings you and your loves to the table.
Buon Appetito!
Print
Focaccia with Lemony Greens & Parmesan
Ingredients
- 24 oz. baby spinach, washed
- 1 lb. pizza dough
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 – 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- In a medium pot over medium heat, add wet spinach leaves and let cook until just wilted. Remove from heat.
- Stretch pizza dough in a rectangular shape onto pizza tray.
- Transfer cooled spinach leaves to a bowl, add chopped garlic, lemon juice and 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Mix to combine.
- Cover pizza dough with the spinach mixture.
- Top with Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
- Add one last drizzle of olive oil.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until almost browned.
- Cut into squares and serve hot or at room temperature.
Ciao!
This is rockin’ my world, amazing!!!
Ahhhh – so sweet! Thank you!!
I can’t wait for your blood orange smoothie even though this does look mouthwatering! Family + food is always the best of times!
Ooooh! It’s out there – I promise! You’ve got that right! Family + Food is the best!
Man….this looks amazing! I think it could be a meal all by itself….well with a glass of wine of course!
Well of course!! I like the way you think, Kathy! 🙂
Awwh, so sweet.
I really need to eat this now though. I am so hungry just looking at it!
Thanks, Dannii! 🙂
Oh, Annie, I am definitely feeling a bit teased right now after reading this post. Thank goodness it sounds pretty easy to make because I think I am going to HAVE to have some of this in my life some time soon … very soon!
Hahah! Well, my dear – this is very easy – so your wish to have it soon should easily come true! Thank you!!
What a sweet post Annie, and can we talk about this focaccia?? Perfection! I can’t ever pass up focaccia, but these toppings are an amazing addition. Yum!
Awwh! Thank you, Alyssa! 🙂
Awww you’re making me miss Boston! And ESPECIALLY the North End!! I think you definitely had to post an Italian-inspired recipe while you’re there..and this focaccia is just the thing!
Awwww – I know – this place gets a hold of your heart and never lets go! Thanks, my friend!
Excellent recipe! Hope you had a great time cooking with your babies!!! Please make time to make your herb bread with me! Baking is my bad!
Thank you so much, Ann! We had a great time! 🙂