Vodnjanski Pampagnac with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 200g (7 oz) bacon, cooked and crumbled 200g (7 oz) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 150g (5 oz) goat cheese, crumbled 150g (5 oz) goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Olive oil, for brushing Olive oil, for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a rectangle.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the bacon, goat cheese, and rosemary evenly over one of the rectangles. Place the other rectangle on top and press the edges to seal.
8. 8.
   Transfer the filled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with olive oil.
9. 9.
   Using a sharp knife, score the top of the dough in a decorative pattern.
10. 10.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling it for the filling. This will enhance the smoky flavor and ensure a crispy texture.
• Goat cheese — Use a good quality goat cheese that is creamy and tangy. Crumbling it will allow it to distribute evenly throughout the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different fillings such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions to add your own twist to the recipe.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
• Serve the Vodnjanski Pampagnac warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
• This bread is perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a centerpiece for a brunch table.

Serving advice

Serve the Vodnjanski Pampagnac warm, either as an appetizer or as part of a meal. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh rosemary leaves on top of the bread before baking. This will add a pop of color and a delightful aroma.