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!
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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 looks so good! SO GOOD. I don’t have words except “gimme. now.” Pinning 🙂
Hahaha! It’s a winner! Thanks, Medha!
Mmm that focaccia looks SO delicious!! Growing up in an Italian family, I’ve had so many variations, but this really looks SO yummy and amazing!! Pinned 🙂
It’s so easy to get creative with focaccia. So glad you like this! Thanks, Christina!
This looks absolutely amazing Annie! Love the greens on top and the crispy pizza dough!
Thank you, Kelley!
I LOVE focaccia!! This looks amazing!
It’s one of my favorites too! Thanks, Cathleen!
This is the best and yummiest looking foccacia i have seen. No joke!
You are so kind! Thanks, Kelsey!!
Annie, WOW! Focaccia has come out so perfect! looks like a heavenly slice of green and cheese pizza! mouthwatering at first glance! pinning!
It is pretty heavenly! Thanks, dear!
This is simply gorgeous Annie! I can imagine the aroma in the house when it’s in the oven! Pinned!
Yes…the aroma needs to be bottled! Let’s work on that, together…Thanks, Manali!
The blood orange smoothies sound wonderful, but this focaccia looks so ridiculously delicious, I want to eat the entire thing! I love the combination of spinach and lemon… add some parm, and I’m in foodie heaven!
Those smoothies are still out there! I just couldn’t resist this one, though! Pret-ty good! Thanks, friend!
I just want to dive into that Focaccia, Annie! It looks so good – I wish I had a big slice for lunch today. Just love the additions of cheese, spinach and garlic (and the little lemony bite as well). Really great, Annie!
Awh! Oh yes…this makes for a perfect lunch! Thanks, friend!
I keep thinking I need to make some focaccia and now I am truly inspired. Yours is so pretty, as are your photos as usual. I’m glad you are having such a wonderful time with your girls in one of my favorite cities. Mike’s bakery… sigh
Okay, friend…it’s time! Make that focaccia! Mike’s bakery…I know…I’m sorry… Thanks, Rachelle!
This looks amazing! So gourmet and delicious!! LOVE it! 🙂 Great recipe!!
Thank you so much, Cailee! I appreciate that! Have a lovely weekend!
This looks amazing!! I’ll have to give it a try 🙂
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Thank you, Rachel! Enjoy! 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this focaccia recipe with us today Annie! Looks awesome! Hope you are having fun! Pinned!
Thanks, dear! We are having a great time! Have a great day! 🙂
Annie, girl you delivered with this FABULOUS focaccia!!! beautiful!!!! I’ve only been to Boston once for a business trip and totally want to go back!!!! have a great trip!
Thanks, Alice!! This is a town for foodies, that’s for sure! Hope you get back, real soon! 🙂
It sounds like you’re having a wonderful time with your girls 🙂 This focaccia looks incredible! I love all the spinach you topped together with the lemon, parmesan and red pepper flakes! Such a great dish to bring loved ones closer together 🙂 Happy Friday!
Thank you, Kelly! We’re having a great time! 🙂 Happy weekend, my friend!
Oh my Annie. This focaccia bread is making me so hungry. It reminds me of my days in Nairobi. Yes. .strange I know. . .but it seems there is an Italian restaurant every way you look and the focaccia bread was always amazing. Glad Boston could inspire such an amazing dish.
Your days in Nairobi?! I love that!! Oh yes…Boston inspires me in so many ways! Thanks, dear!
You’ve got my mouthwatering at 5 am, Annie…. I’d love to share this focaccia with you with Italian aromas wafting through the air. Then, we’d have a cannoli with some espresso and talk about when and what our next eating experience will be! Sounds like an excellent time in Boston with your girls, appreciating the history that came before.
This focaccia…. the lemony green and parmesan! Oh my! I forget about focaccia, although it is on a long list of favorite breads. Love how you’ve turned this into more of a meal then just it being able to mop up marinara sauce with a big bowl of penne. Not that it’s a bad thing… either way, it’s a win! Thank you for your inspiration and lovely story… I felt as though I was right there with you! Have a restful and beautiful weekend, Annie! <3
You are speaking my language, my friend! But you already know that! I say after that… we move on to fried calamari, butternut squash tortelloni and almond paste cookies with cappuccino for dessert. Hey…I think I have my posts planned for next week ;)… Thanks so much for your sweet words, Traci! You also have a lovely weekend. I suspect you’ll need a breath after all your anniversary celebrations!
This is looking like a pretty amazing dinner option, Annie. It’s gorgeous! Your pics are wonderful.
Oh yeah…this focaccia for dinner will never disappoint! Thanks so much, Mir! I appreciate your kind words!
I love the Italian section of Boston. Every time I visit, I force my friends or family to walk there to get cannolis and to smell all of the smells. In the summer, all of the restaurants are opened up so you can walk right inside and see the people dining. It’s amazing. This focaccia looks heavenly.
Oh yes!! It’s a very special place! I will never tire of its sights, smells and sounds… Thanks, Erin!!
Annie, this focaccia bread looks amazing! I’ve only made it once before, but never thought to add toppings to it. I love the pretty colors and flavors!
Mm-hmmm…traditional focaccia with its herbs and olive oil is the best, but sometimes just throwing a few extra toppings on makes it extra special! Thanks, Gayle!