No-Knead Parmesan-Herb Focaccia

I have been making bread now for close to 20 years. My love of making my own bread started in college out of financial necessity. I started making all my bread by hand. I can remember that particular recipe (I only had one) made two loaves. The smell of fresh baked bread would fill the hallways and it wouldn't be long before the guys who lived downstairs would come up to "help" me eat one of the loaves. Amazing, that even on my very meager budget at the time of $10/week for food, I was able to share.

Now, I generally use a breadmaker, sometimes for the entire process, but more often just to mix and rise the dough. Today was my first attempt at Focaccia Bread. I found a "Mix It and Forget It" recipe in the February 2009 issue of Eating Well. If the appearance and aromas in my house are any indication, this bread will be fabulous! I also tried out a new Chicken Curry recipe. I'm looking forward to lunch tomorrow already!

Designing LEARNing

Thanks to Lou Russell for posting this in her newsletter today. I think these are great questions to reflect on when it comes to helping others learn someting new or acquire a new skill.

• What types of activities will help learners calm their minds, reflect and become aware of what they have experienced, noticed and learned?
  
• How can we help learners tap into their own wisdom and allow new connections?
  
• What type of activities can encourage learners to take the learning back and apply it? What support do they need in the program and back on the job?

Living and Learning Out Loud

In January 2003, I attempted my first blog. (Actually, I think I might have even tried one in 2002, at least that is when I created my blogger account, but I must have deleted that blog as I can't find a record of it.) Since then, I have tried several times to start a blog. I love the concept that you can share ideas with friends and family and connect with other people who have similar interests. But I can never seem to get myself to sit down and write. Maybe it's because I was trying to be too narrow in my focus. So after several failed attempts, I am trying again. I've been tossing around different blog names for what seems like a year now and I finally found one that wasn't taken and that is broad enough in scope that it can encompass anything I want to write about. So here it is, my first step in the journey to Living and Learning Out Loud - live life to the fullest and learn all you can along the way.