Christmas Dinner Party

I'm not even going to get into the lack of posting. Everything is fine, other than I can't stick to a commitment...at all :)  Instead, I'm moving on to more positive things!  My un-committed butt had a dinner party.  I stressed, of course, but I think everything went pretty well :)  Here are some pictures of the table as well as my china.  I rarely use it, but it is the love of my life. Sometimes, I want to wave at it in the morning when I wake up.  Sometimes, I do.

For dinner I was lucky enough to not have to make appetizers or a salad. So, I made Italian Beef Roast, Creamy Parmesan Polenta, and Broccolini with a vinaigrette. I'll have to share the recipe for the pot roast soon, but here is the one for the Creamy Polenta. Go make it now because it's really easy and really yummy.

Creamy Parmesan Polenta

Serves 8

Ingredients:

4 c. whole milk

4 c. chicken stock

2 1/2  tsps salt

3 cups "medium" cornmeal       (It comes in coarse and fine too.  I prefer medium.)

8 Tbsp butter

1 c. parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

In a large sauce pan (I use a soup pot), bring milk, chicken stock, and salt to a boil.  While stirring, slowly add in the cornmeal.

Reduce heat until it is lightly simmering and continue to constantly stir.  Cook until it thickens, but not until hard.  (This will take about 10 minutes depending on the grain of your cornmeal. I would taste it after 5 minutes or so, to see if it is starting to soften.  I prefer mine to be like "al dente" pasta.  Not mushy, with a little bit of a bite.)

Remove the pan from the heat and add in the butter and cheese.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**At this point I would serve it right away.  However, if you need to hold it over for a party, like I did you can keep it creamy for a little longer.  Polenta will harden once it cools.  This can be nice because you can cut it in wedges and grill, top with sauce, fry, etc.  However, if you want it creamy for a while it needs a little attention.  I just continue to add milk and a very low temperature while stirring.  I wouldn't do this for hours or anything, but I held mine like that for about 45 minutes. ***

You can check out some more great recipes @ Tempt My Tummy Tuesday & Tuesday's at the Table !

Enjoy your Christmas week!!!