Comments on: Keep Trying (Recipe: Rosemary Focaccia Bread)

By: Barbara @ VinoLuciStyle

Barbara @ VinoLuciStyle — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:03:39 +0000

Your high school English teacher must have also been my freshman college one (in some Back to the Future sort of way). Our essay was on ‘Describe the word yellow.’

How can you critique so negatively such a stupid assignment. You don’t like my correlation with cowardice? You don’t agree with what I said? I had been an honors student in English and was ill prepared for the wrath I felt subjected to in her response to my paper. She seemed to enjoy heaping on the negative criticism; I should have played it safe like everyone else and talked about the stupid color?

Her expectations of results left no room for creative thought and I, like you, let that one person define my capabilities and revise my viewpoint of…ME!

Years later, after a divorce, I decided to get some additional classroom experience prior to returning to the work force. No doubt my maturity and life experience made for a more feisty woman. That A I got for a paper but not the extra points? I asked for a meeting with the professor and successfully argued my point; his attitude helped me open back up a door I had closed. He encouraged creative thought and though we had differing opinions, he saw where I was coming from (although he had never had a student want to meet him who had in fact, received an A!).

That life lesson helped me help my kids throughout high school when they were often subjected to less than stellar teaching and perhaps there is a correlation to cooking…the old ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’ school of thought.

I’m here for the recipe but enjoyed the dialogue.

By: I’m an Organizing Junkie » Menu Plan Monday – Sept 7th

I’m an Organizing Junkie » Menu Plan Monday – Sept 7th — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:26:51 +0000

[...] Wednesday: Loaded Baked Potato Soup served with Rosemary Focaccia Bread [...]

By: Claire

Claire — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:51:22 +0000

Tryng this tonight! Claires last blog post..Foxy

By: Lynda

Lynda — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:15:35 +0000

The bread looks delicious, Kristen!
I’ve checked out your new blog and think it’s a fantastic idea! I look forward to getting some ideas and help-I need it-

Lyndas last blog post..Avocado, Cucumber and Tomato Salad

By: Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food.

Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food. — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:17:51 +0000

What a horrible Mrs H! I used to hate those classes where i had to write essays. I wasn’t good at it at all. In my M.A I wrote many academic papars and was complimented by one of the professors I used to work with (He said he wished all his students wrote papers like I do).
As for leftovers bread – don’t throw it away. Freeze it and/or do this: http://www.familyfriendlyfood.com/2008/10/leftover-bread-turned-into-bread-pudding-with-spiced-rum-sauce-for-dessert/

Nurit – 1 family. friendly. food.s last blog post..Sweet summer heirloom tomatoes soup

By: MyKitchenInHalfCups

MyKitchenInHalfCups — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:39:13 +0000

Wonderful on so very many levels. Of course I’m very attuned to the effect on bread baking.
Even if your first loaf had been wonderful and perfect, only after you’ve had your hands in multiple doughs do you get to be a good baker … bread takes time on so many levels … and that seems to be how it’s worked for you and I.

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:14:20 +0000

I can't believe a teacher would do that. How awful! I'm glad you found your way back into writing. This bread looks awesome by the way. Erins last blog post..Olive Oil Granola with Pistachios & Cherries

By: Syrahsuzie

Syrahsuzie — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:21:27 +0000

You have inspired me to try bread-making again. I’m bookmarking this recipe to try when the temperature gets under 30°C.

Loved your story about your english teacher.

By: camille

camille — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:32:14 +0000

For some reason I'm willing to keep trying until I succeed with various recipes for various foods... EXCEPT for roasting a chicken. I tried it once, it was so not done at the correct time that it was basically still clucking, and now I'm completely uninclined to try again. I just know I'll fail. Maybe it's because if I make a lousy loaf of bread or a sauce that's too spicy, it's no big deal - just throw it out, right? Order pizza or something. But if I make undercooked chicken, WE DIIIIIEEEEEE. Dramatic! camilles last blog post..Good Health Natural Products Avocado Oil Chips/Humbles

By: Karine

Karine — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:43:47 +0000

I am scared of making homemade bread…
I should do like you and try until I get it!
Your foccacia looks great!

Karines last blog post..Asparagus with Sour Cream Horseradish Dip

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:49:52 +0000

I've always wanted to try homemade focaccia bread. My rosemary bush is out of control as well. Seems like it is destiny! Lauras last blog post..Primavera Risotto

By: Margie

Margie — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:38:19 +0000

Your focaccia looks fab and your writing is witty! I'm sure Mrs. H would now be envious of your skills. Your new blog is great, so instructional. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. Margies last blog post..Fish with Traditional Flavors Powdered

By: oneshotbeyond

oneshotbeyond — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:46:55 +0000

bread is a big fat weakness of mine! this post is pushing my self control to it's limits! oneshotbeyonds last blog post..Tasty Tuesday: Fresh Salsa

By: Marta

Marta — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:26:31 +0000

I think anyone attempting homemade bread should know that they'll likely have a couple of less-than-glorious results, but, like you say, once you get it right it's so rewarding! And picking simple breads like focaccia at first is a great tip! This looks fantastic! Martas last blog post..An Ode: Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

By: Niki

Niki — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:10:56 +0000

I’m so excited, I’m making asiago focaccia tonight!!! Yay for focaccia! Rosemary & onion and asiago focaccia are my two favs. Mmm….

By: Nic

Nic — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:06:53 +0000

I had a very similar experience, kinda. I was all ready to do French at University, when in my Lower Sixth (about age 17) french class I said just that, and someone piped up that there was no point and that French would be a dead language in a few years time. So I did Archaeology at University and don't get me wrong I love my job, but my life would have been so different if I had gone on to do french. And I agree about the focaccia bread, it was the first bread I learnt to make after leaving home, and it is still my easiest and favourite bread to make. Nics last blog post..Menu Plan Monday

By: Ashley

Ashley — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:35:55 +0000

I love your blog! Can’t wait to try some recipes of yours out

Also, I am trying to learn more about food photography, so I really appreciate the new blog you created!

I actually just put up a post about wanting a new camera for food photography, so it was perfect for me to stumble across your sites!

Thanks!

Ashleys last blog post..Why I need (want) a new camera:

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:50:42 +0000

That foccacia looks amazing. The link to the new blog isn't working for me... Bobs last blog post..Tuna Rangoon, a Wine Review: Alice White Red Lexia and a New Toy

By: Caleb

Caleb — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:34:49 +0000

I found your food blog going through a few links. Glad I ran into it. Didn’t know that the food blog/recipe community was so big online. I love your posts!

I was wondering if you would like to exchange links. I’ll drop yours on my site and you drop mine on yours. Email at ramendays@yahoo.com or stop by my site and drop a comment. Let me know if you would like to do a link exchange.

Cheers,
Caleb
http://www.ramendays.com

By: Leah

Leah — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:14:56 +0000

Oh, I am so sorry that teacher was like that. TERRIBLE! I am glad that you have decided to leave her out of your head and start writing again. You are a gifted writer!! Keep it up you hear.

It is amazing how experiences move us away from something and then bring us back. My first grade teacher was horrible and as a coping mechanism and because I was so shy I completely tuned out and cheated my way through. By the time, 2nd grade came around I was WAY behind and in those days the thing to do was hold back. When in college I said, “I will never be a classroom teacher.” My first mistake to say “never”! And, well…you know how it ends…I do have my own classroom and I believe through that horrible time in life it has lead me to be the teacher I strive to be today.