Late last week I had lunch at Maggiano's.  Yes, I know, "a corporate establishment".  However, I do enjoy the food there quite a bit. I was able to enjoy this lovely creation and then come up with my own version.  This flat bread is great as an appetizer, lunch or light dinner.  I have already thought up other ways to be versatile with the toppings.

Crispy Flat Bread

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil plus more for brushing
Kosher salt for sprinkling

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F with a heavy baking sheet on rack in middle.
Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Make a well in center, then add water and oil and gradually stir into flour with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Knead dough gently on a work surface 4 or 5 times to incorporate all of the ingredients
Divide dough into 2 pieces and roll out 1 piece (keep remaining pieces covered with plastic wrap) on a sheet of parchment paper into a 10-12 inch oblong rustic shape.  You can make it a very uniform rectangle if you wish.  The dough should be thin, less than 1/4" thick.
Lightly brush top with additional oil and sprinkle with sea salt. *Tip:  You could also sprinkle with herbs if you are so inclined.  Continue with other round of dough.  Slide formed flat breads (still on parchment) onto preheated baking sheet and bake until pale golden and browned in spots, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer flat bread to a rack to cool.
Flat bread can be made 2 days ahead and cooled completely, then kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Flat Bread Topping

Ingredients

Lightly grilled shrimp, sliced in half
Peeled, deseeded and sliced cucumber
Arugula, rinsed and patted dry
heirloom cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
sliced pickled banana peppers
thinly sliced red onion
extra virgin olive oil
lemon

Directions

Drizzle 1 Tbs. olive oil in mixing bowl and squeeze 1 tsp. of lemon juice in bowl and lightly whisk (this is enough for 1 flat bread).  Place ingredients in bowl and lightly toss to coat.  The amount of ingredients and oil mixture will depend upon how many flat breads you are serving.  Slice flat bread, keeping the shape together and top with salad mixture.  Drizzle with creamy basil vinaigrette (recipe to follow).  Sprinkle with freshly ground salt and pepper.  Serve and enjoy!

Creamy Basil Vinaigrette

Ingredients