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FOR THE DOUGH:
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Boil potato in water and simmer until tender (about 25 minutes).
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Drain potato well and cool.
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Grate potato through large holes on box grater, fine disk on ricer or food processor.
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Reserve 1-1/3 cups lightly packed potato.
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Meanwhile, In food processor mix or pulse yeast, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 cup warm water until combined.
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Cover tightly with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place, until bubbly (about 20 minutes).
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Add remaining dough ingredients (including the remaining 3 cups flour), including reserved potato.
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Process dough for about 40 seconds until it's smooth and elastic.
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Transfer dough to lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat with oil and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
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let rise in warm area until dough is puffy and doubled in volume (about an hour).
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With wet hands (to prevent sticking) press dough flat into oiled or sprayed with Pam 15 1/2 by 10 1/2 jelly roll pan (I sprinkle a little flour on top of dough and gently pat it into shape. I don't make it quite as large, since I like it really thick).
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Cover dough with lightly greased plastic wrap (dough will stick otherwise) and let rise in warm area, about 45 minutes to an hour, until dough is puffy and doubled.
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Preheat oven to 425u00b0F.
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Adjust oven rack to lower middle position.
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With two wet fingers, dimple risen dough at regular intervals.
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TOPPING:
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Drizzle dough with oil, and sprinkle evenly with the rosemary, salt, landing some in pools of oil.
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Bake until focaccia bottom is golden and crisp, 23-25 minutes.
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Yields: one 15 1/2 by 10 1/2 inch rectangle or 2 8 inch rounds.
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*Note: focaccia can be kept on counter for several hours and reheated just before serving.
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Or, wrap cooled focaccia in plastic wrap, and then foil and freeze for up to 1 month (unwrap and defrost in 325u00b0F oven until soft, about 15 minutes).
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VARIATIONS:
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Parmesan Focaccia: substitute 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese for the rosemary and coarse sea salt.
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Focaccia with Black Olives and Thyme: substitute 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leave and 24 pitted large black olives (one per oil-filled dimple) for rosemary.
