Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Grilled Focaccia

Ingredients

1 Tbl honey

2 packages active dry yeast

1 1/3 cup warm water (110 degrees)

4 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup + 2 Tbl olive oil

2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the honey, yeast and half of the warm water. Mix well and let stand until the mixture looks creamy, about 10 minutes.

Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the yeast mixture and begin mixing, either by hand or using the dough hook attachment of an electric mixer. Add in the remaining water, a few tablespoons at a time, and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Continue kneading until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 more minutes.

Lightly oil a large mixing bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and turn once to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm place. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

Deflate the dough and roll it out to 1/2” thickness on a lightly floured surface.

Brush the dough with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining salt, pepper and rosemary.

Prepare the grill. Place the focaccia over direct medium heat. Cook 14-16 minutes, turning once while cooking. Remove from the grill and cut into 2-3” squares. Serve immediately.

Yield: 6-8 servings.

Recent Recipes

Macaroni and Cheese

Growing up, elaborate mac & cheese wasn’t something that made its way to our dinner table. That’s not some sort of elitist statement. We grew up in a very modest way. It’s just that macaroni and cheese was something my mom never purchased at the store and therefore never served. This recipe is rich and indulgent with a blend of cheeses that create a creamy, savory masterpiece. Adding crispy fried shallots or crumbled bacon to the breadcrumb topping gives it a savory, satisfying crunch. The blend of cheeses—Velveeta for creaminess, Gruyere for nuttiness, Cheddar for sharpness, and Colby Jack for that buttery melt—makes all the difference.

Read more

Robert’s Christmas Turkey 2025

There's nothing like a well-roasted turkey to anchor a holiday table, and no one made it quite like my grandmother. She didn't wait until Thanksgiving to serve it. She'd roast a turkey once a month throughout the year, never mind the occasion. It was a staple at her table. My mother, on the other hand, always made a formal Christmas Eve dinner, complete with turkey, dressing, and gravy. As kids, the excitement of Christmas Eve was almost too much to bear. Those big dinners felt like the beginning of Christmas itself. It’s a memory that comes to mind every time I cook a turkey or make gravy. And a good gravy can make or break the meal. Making sure the roux browns just right and finishing the gravy with a touch of lemon juice or fresh herbs are tricks worth remembering. A little extra attention to the gravy goes a long way.

Read more

Bayou Bacon & Cheddar Spread

I can lay waste to a block of cream cheese with pepper jelly and crackers in a matter of minutes. It’s a weakness. No matter how hard I try to exercise self-control, I always find myself standing over the plate at a cocktail party, making it disappear without even thinking. This spread hits the same notes, but with a smoky, savory punch that’s hard to beat. It’s become a go-to for Christmas parties, and if you’re smart, you’ll double the recipe because it’ll be gone before you know it. It’s best when made a day in advance—giving all the flavors time to mingle.

Read more