January - Get thee behind me!

Waaaay behind me.  So far this month: Bernie was diagnosed with Lyme's; same Bernie 'ate' part of an old sleeping couch, which had me running for the Hydrogen Peroxide and milk; my new goat gate broke; Flora, perfectly fine one day, was not the next; my frost-free outdoor faucet (#3 since I've moved here) broke, prompting a call to the plumber; who arrived as I came back from the vet, who told me that Cookie needs $1100 in medical care.  And most of that was over the past two days!

Time to do some hard and creative thinking (and financial waggling).  I'm trying to convince myself that ALL the bad stuff for 2012 is getting fit into one month.  How does that sound to you, Universe?

It's a good thing I availed myself of some comfort food yesterday (along with the comforting presence of a good friend).  I rediscovered my Moosewood cookbook collection and made a rendition of Spinach Polenta with Fresh Tomatoes.  For those of you in need of comfort, here it is:

Spinach Polenta Topped with Tomatoes (adapted from Moosewood Restaurant Simple Suppers)
(I don't have the recipe here - but this is close enough)

2 cups water
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup corn grits (polenta)
1 cup grated Parmesan
8 oz. baby spinach (I only had a 5 oz. package and it was fine)

Fresh tomatoes (regular or Roma - approx. 4 reg. or 8 Roma)  *I didn't have fresh so used about a pint of my own canned oven roasted Romas
2 garlic cloves pressed or minced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried Oregano
2 Tablespoons Balsamic vinegar

Put the water, milk and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Pour the grits in a slow, steady stream into the liquid while stirring constantly.  Continue stirring until it thickens.

Heat the oil in another saucepan and add the garlic.  Cook until golden, then add the tomatoes, salt and oregano.  Stir until heated through and the tomatoes just start to soften.  When they are softened, take off the heat and stir in vinegar.

Back to the polenta!  Stir in the cheese, then add the spinach a handful at a time, stirring until it wilts.  When all the spinach has been added, make sure it's heated through, then spoon onto each dish and top with tomato mixture.  You can sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan if you wish.  It is easy and delish! 

Bring on the comfort!  And a lottery win would help a lot....