The national lockdown has been extended with two more weeks and families still need to eat during this time. This means creativity is needed in the kitchen to keep the meals interesting and varying. A local chef, André du Preez of Café Crust Restaurant & Bakery, has shared one of his favourite simple recipes for you to try at home. It is an easy-to-make focaccia recipe that you can enjoy with your family.

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You will need eight ingredients to make it: 150g brown bread flour, 50g maize flour, 300g white bread flour, 10g dried yeast, half a tablespoon of sugar, 350ml water, olive oil and sea salt.

According to him the toppings can depend on your preferences.

Du Preez said some of his favourite toppings are fresh rosemary, garlic and olive, tomatoes marinated in garlic and fresh basil leaves, and caramelised onions with balsamic vinegar.

He also shared these simple steps to follow when making this at home.

“Place the flours and half a tablespoon of sea salt into a bowl. Add sugar and yeast to water and let it begin to froth. Slowly pour it into the flour.

“As soon as the ingredients are mixed, knead the dough for about five minutes until soft and smooth. Oil a bowl with some olive oil and transfer the dough to the bowl. Cover with a tea towel and leave for 30 minutes until double in size.

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When dough has risen, preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Place it on a well-oiled baking tray and stretch it out. Use finger tips to make small indents in the dough. Leave to prove for 20 minutes and bake for 20 minutes.” You can eat it as a snack, sandwich or serve it as an appetiser.