Bread Week: Focaccia

Happy Thursday!

Tomorrow is our last clinical for the second quarter.  I'm somewhat sad, because we had some great experiences this quarter and I learned so much more than I thought it was possible to learn.  I'm also glad that we're moving on to the next thing.  I feel pretty good about the content thus far, and I'm ready to take the finals (well, almost ready to take the finals) and build upon what we've learned.  

One of my biggest lessons from being in the hospital these past 10 weeks is that nursing is a process.  A perpetual, dynamic process.  Something new is going to happen everyday, and you're going to need to be ready for it.  My favorite clinical experience ended up being the oncology/transplant floor, which I definitely did not expect at the beginning.  I learned the most here, both about the process and about myself.  The patients here are very sick, very needy.  You have to be on your game the entire time.  They're upset and they're frustrated and they're scared - and on top of all that, they're sick.  Most of the patients on this floor were there for at least a week, some even several months.  You really got to know them, you were able to connect and anticipate their needs.  The nurses at this hospital were fantastic, very nurturing and caring.  We talk a lot in class about being "patient advocates" and providing care that's in the best interest of the patient by thinking critically and not being afraid to ask questions of the doctors and staff.  The nurses here really put that into place.  They would ask the doctors for orders in anticipation of what their patients would need, and they really stepped up and were proactive in their care.  

It was a challenging and exciting experience, one that I'm glad I was a part of.  We (the other students in my group and I) really bonded through these weeks, and I'm so thankful that we were able to stick together and really support each other.  I can't wait to see what next quarter will bring!

Although, I'm veeeery excited for the two week break.  :o)

Today's installment of Bread Week is Focaccia.  I had some tomatoes from my grandmother's garden that were begging to be mixed with mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.  What would go better with tomato and mozzarella salad than focaccia bread?  That's what I thought!

Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia
(adapted from A Thought for Food)

5 cups flour (I did half wheat and half white)
2 packets yeast
1 tablespoon salt
3 cups warm water
1/3 cup rosemary and garlic bread spices
olive oil

In a large bowl, fold together the flour, salt, yeast and water.  Brush the top with olive oil, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.  Rub a baking sheet with oil, dump the dough out onto the sheet and allow it to spread.  Allow to rest for 2 hours.  Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle the spices on top.  Place in the oven on top of an overturned sheet to allow the air to circulate underneath.  Bake at 450 for 15-17 minutes, depending on your taste for crispiness.  I like mine to be a little toasty.  Allow to cool before cutting.  Eat alone or with something delicious.  :o)

 

Garlic-ly delicious!