Polenta with Tomatoes and Kale

Don’t you love it when you throw together a meal with a little bit of this and a little bit of that and it becomes a crowd favorite? That happened last night with this dish. Thankfully I remember what I put in it but of course I did not take any pictures. It is a great meal for anyone who has no time to cook.

1 can of Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes
1 can of Original Rotel Tomatoes with green chilies
1 bunch of kale

1 tube of cooked polenta
1 cup of protein (I used the last of some chicken that was in the fridge)
1/2 onion diced
3 garlic cloves
1 tbsp onion powder

2 tbsp oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese(not the clumpy powdered stuff)
4 tablespoons of olive oil


If you are using un-prepared meat/protein sautee/brown that in a large non-stick skillet with two tablespoons of olive oil. If using beef with a higher fat content, the oil will not be necessary. Turn pan to medium heat. Pour roasted and Rotel tomatoes into the pan. Add onion, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper and kale. Stir in the kale until it cooks down. Once kale has cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Once cheese is melted set the pan to low heat.

In second non-stick pan add two tablespoons of olive oil and turn pan to med/high heat. Slice polenta into 1/2 inch slices(three slices per person is good) and add to pan. Cook polenta until golden and crispy on both sides.
Plate slices of polenta then pour tomato/kale/protein combo on top.
Bask in the glory of being a brilliant cook.

Motivate Me TEDx

 
While at the office yesterday I fought most of the day with my still present vacation mental hangover. To save my brain from crossing wires and truly shorting out, I turned on the live stream of the TEDx Atlanta. “The Edge of the South” was the theme and the mix of speakers ranged from a 17-year old Google award winner who is doing breast cancer research to the owners of the denim line Imogene and Willie. The passion, grit and tenacity of every individual who speaks at TED events always blows me away and this group. This group did not fail to live up to the past talks I have listened to.

When I am questioning creative ideas or anything else in my life it is these types of visionaries who bring me back to center and allow me to regain control of all of the ideas.

Who or what does that for you?

If receiving a mental enema sounds like a good time to you, November 2nd TEDx will host there next gathering titled Transcend. Visit the website for more information and for tickets to this inspiring and moving experience.

Our Summer Holiday

Our vacation to Hilton Head Island was a hit. Many praises to the Holiday Inn Beach House Resort that has everything someone looking for a laid back escape could ask for. Free parking, beach location, newly renovated rooms, great restaurant in hotel, easy walk(about 1/2 block) to cute shops and great restaurants are all reasons we will be returning.
        
                        

In talking with other vacationers there I learned that visiting in the fall is the way to go. The summer, through Labor Day weekend, can be crazy with packed beaches and shops and an abundance of jelly fish.

After visiting kid friendly water fountains, the beach and the pools at the hotel, Aaron sat back in his stroller and relaxed as mommy and daddy ended the holiday with a different kind of fun-OUTLET SHOPPING! As you leave the island you pass a Tanger Outlets that offers AAA discounts and coupon books that will actually save you money.

Back to work on Monday.
My head remains on the island.