Polenta my heart

Polenta topped with fried green tomatoes, and roasted pepper sauce.

Polenta, crispy on the top and creamy in the middle forms the basis for fried green tomatoes and a slathering of roasted pepper sauce.  I got my inspiration from a wonderful posting on Tasty Kitchen Fried Green Tomatoes on Polenta Rounds with peppers onions and bacon and my southern roots had a distinct hankering for fried green tomatoes. The special flavor comes from Good Ol Burgers Roasted Pepper Sauce (a gift from by son from the burger joint in Paso Robles.)

I don’t know about you, but I have been anticipating the change of the season with some delight. Shifting gears to soups, stews, baking and the like. This dish has the cozy feeling to it and as we say at our house, “travels well” for left overs.

Chili Fries — Really?

What else have I been up to? Playing at taking pictures of my lovely peppers and tomatoes before I have to say good-bye to them for the winter. Finding encouragement from some terrific flickr groups and new friends. I have been challenging myself to see more, imagine more, and take more shots. Do you find that taking a bit of time, focusing on your creative side lightens your heart, balances the stress and brings a sense of satisfaction to your heart? I cook, I photograph, but not for any other gain than to satisfy my palate, my vision, what is in my mind’s eye or the tickling of my taste buds. Do I get a kick if someone else enjoys it, appreciates the effort … absolutely! Share the love. But, not every shot, every dish is a masterpiece… far from it. The endeavor, the acknowledgement that each of us has a creative vision that is all ours is what satisfies my soul, something that is mine. Reaching out creates connections with kindred spirits. Seek what is within and share the experience, why hide who you really are? We all look for perfection, but you know sometimes good enough is pretty swell.

Cheers!
Recipes

Poleta – Combo microwave and baking method
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup water
1 cup polenta
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Mix liquids and polenta in large microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high for 5 minutes,whisk and stir for another 3 minutes.  Place in 8″ x 8″ buttered baking dish. Top with Parmesan cheese. Bake 15 min in 350 degree oven.  Remove from oven and cool ~ 5-10 min. until solid before cutting into squares and serving.
Roasted Pepper Sauce with Ground Beef
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 diced yellow onion
1 clove garlic minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, red and yellow peppers
1/4 cup Good Ol Burger Roasted Pepper Sauce
1 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
In medium saucepan, saute onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add fresh ground hamburger (20% fat) and cook until browned. Add can of tomatoes and peppers, tomato paste and roasted pepper sauce. Bring to boil and then simmer 30 minutes.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Slice 2 medium green tomatoes
1 egg beaten
1/4 cup Bread Crumbs,
1/4 cup Flour
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup canola oil
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Heat oil in fry pan over medium-high heat.
Dip tomato slices in beaten egg, dredge in flour/bread crumb mix. Fry in oil until browned on both sides and soft in center. Drain on paper towels.
Plating
Place slice of polenta on plate, top with roasted pepper sauce and then two slices of fried green tomatoes. Top with a spoonful to two of sauce and serve. Dust with parmasan cheese.