Focaccia with Caramelized Onions, Pear and Blue Cheese

I was looking for a fruit and cheese combo for Focaccia bread topping and saw this Focaccia with Caramelized Onions, Pear and Blue Cheese in Jan edition of Food and Wine magazine. The classic combination of pears and blue cheese isn't just for salad; it tastes absolutely amazing on focaccia bread. I did follow chef Jill Giacomini Basch ‘s exact recipe and only modification was to sprinkle little chili powder on top to add a spice kick. 

Ingredients

1 cup warm water

1 package active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon honey

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon light brown sugar

1 large Bosc pear, cored and sliced

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the water, yeast and honey and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of the flour and 1/4 cup of the oil; let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining flour and the salt and knead until smooth. Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic and let stand for 1 hour.

2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the onion, cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add the sugar, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 10 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 450°. Oil a 9-by-13 inch rimmed baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the sheet and press it down to fit. Dimple the dough all over with your fingers and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Let the dough rise until puffed, about 20 minutes.

4. Scatter the onions over the dough. Arrange the pear over the onions and sprinkle with the blue cheese. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over the focaccia and bake for 20 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack to cool. Serve.