Pour the lukewarm water and honey into the bowl of your electric mixer with a paddle attachment. Add one package of dry active yeast and swirl around. Allow the yeast to foam for 10 minutes. Then add the cold water, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, rosemary, and onions. Turn the mixer on low and slowly add the flour. Once all the flour is in the bowl, switch the paddle to the bread hook attachment. “Knead” on low for about 10 minutes.
Pull the dough away from the sides and rub the bowl down with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove the plastic wrap and turn the mixer back on for 30 seconds.
Divide the dough into two pieces and press with your fingers into two greased 9- to 10-inch round cake pans. As you press to dough to the edges, don’t be afraid to let your fingers puncture the dough—this will create the bumpy, rustic texture of traditional focaccia.
Cover both pans with a clean damp towel. Allow the dough to rise again for another 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Before baking, use the remaining tablespoon of oil and brush the tops of the loaves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and decorate with thin onion slices.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tops are golden-brown. Turn out the bread loaves and enjoy.
Notes
To freeze your focaccia, let it completely cool and wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. Pop it in the oven to reheat so that it has those crispy edges again!