Avoid edible herbs

Many people use fresh herbs on their floral focaccia but Alice suggests avoiding them. “Solid vegetables work better because you need something that can withstand the heat of the oven,” she explains. “Something that has got structure and won’t disintegrate will work best.”

Some herbs will work, like rosemary, which is a traditional focaccia topping. But if you find that your floral design is burning in the oven, it’s worth experimenting with different toppings.

Practise your design before putting it onto the dough

Alice recommends laying your vegetables out on a chopping board or a clean surface in the design you want to use before putting it onto your focaccia. This will avoid making holes in the dough, which could affect the cooking process. “You might not be totally happy with your design but you can change it up next time you make your focaccia, so try not to stress about it,” she says.

How to make stunning, seasonal floral focaccia from scratch this autumn