step down to equality~journal June 12-19, 2011

On My Mind...Mediterranean Courtyards and Santa Barbara beaches...

Celebration...my baby is 20...

Praying for Quinn and Jarrod, orphans, the leaders of nations that they will choose to be righteous, and organizations that attempt to solve social and economic problems that tear families apart...

Scripture Meditations..."These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11

Commitment to Deliciousness...my grain choices are severely limited;corn and rice are about it. Spencer can't eat corn, limiting our diet even more. I'm not complaining, since these problems have opened our eyes to food supply issues that we never dreamed of. When I fed a table full of people 24/7/3, I learned to cook quite well. But I'mnot a SAD cook anymore. Additionally, I like to experiment with new dishes, when everyone is gone. Last night was the perfect opportunity to attempt a dish that's been on my mind for some time, a variation of about 10 different recipes.

Verdi e Fagioli per la Polenta-nutritarian style 

aka Healthy Italian Soul Food
 
3/4 polenta style cornmeal
2 T fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
2 c. veggie broth or 2 c. water and one no-salt Rapunzel cube
2 cloves garlic
1 large onion or 4 spring onions, , pureed
4 cups chopped greens (I've a bumper crop of kale to experiment with this week.)
1 28-ounce can tomatoes with juice, chopped or 4-5 tomatoes if it is tomato season
2 c. cooked small white beans
1/4 c fresh basil, finely chopped
balsamic vinegar
dash cayenne (optional, but I love the stuff)
1 t. dried Italian herbs
Freshly-ground black pepper 

1. In a largish pot, combine the dried polenta, parsley, and broth, mixing until thoroughly blended. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the polenta is thick and comes away easily from the sides of the pot. This could take up to 30 minutes or as little as 10. I put the lid on over my long handled wooden spoon so it doesn't spatter me.

2. Place a sheet of parchment paper in a 9-in. square baking dish. Spread the hot polenta until it covers the bottom of the pan. Press it as smooth as possible with the parchment that sticks up over the sides. Let the polenta to cool for 30 minutes. Chop up your veggies, was out that pot, and tidy up the kitchen during this time.

3. In that largish pot, dry fry onions and garlic until they are very soft turns golden. Add the greens, stirring until wilted. Stir in the tomatoes, dry herbs, and cayenne, and beans. Simmer 15 minutes. Sir in the basil and pepper.

4. While the beans and greens are simmering. Cut the polenta in to four equal rectangles. Place the triangles on a broiler pan under a pre-heated broiler. Cook 5 per side, or until slightly spotted brown. Remove from the heat.

5. Put a square of polenta in the center of each plate. Ladle a nice sized portion of beans over the polenta, top with a couple small basil leaves, a twist of black pepper, and 1/2 t. balsamic vinegar. Nutritional yeast tastes slightly like Parmesan cheese and makes a nice addition.  I think it will pass the man test, too! MMMMM If there is any excess, bean mixture, it could be thinned with a little more veggie broth for a light soup-creative leftovers.

Commitment to Movement...walking and T Tapp Total...

Commitment to Modesty...superior women now are "equal with men and has all their rights and privileges--the right to get drunk, to swear, to smoke, to work like a man, to think like a man, to act like a man we've won all this but how can we feel triumphant when men no longer feel as romantic towards us as they did toward our grandmothers. We've lost something....." I watched a wonderful movie with this quote this week. The women wore lovely clothing and somehow acted a little more lady like. I remember as a little girl that we were taught to be lady like, a phrase I haven't heard for about 35 years. I want to be lady like again.

Towards a Real Education...reading lots of research materials to give me ideas for my newest writing project...I found a delightful old Spanish book that is very fun and encouraging to read. It gives me such hope that all my study has not been in vain. I understand 100% of it so far. Librevox is making a recording of it in which the readers voice is wonderful. Sadly, only one chapter is done...

Sound of Music...have extended the time each day I play and added several classical pieces...still loving it....piano coming slowly but definitely progressing...the voice is not so terrific anymore...sigh...

Garden Gate...our flower gardens look great....I just love perennials...two 4X4 squares are doing great...back 40 is not even planted...

 Simple Pleasure...clean laundry with an automatic washing machine...