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Wow, you guys, I actually forgot how to blog for a good minute there; it’s been so long since I’ve posted an edible recipe. Last Monday, I received my box of soap goodies from Bramble Berry, which got me so excited to make cold process soap for the first time. Melt & pour soap is really easy to do & I love the instant gratification of using your soap a few hours after you’ve made it, but since I’m a control freak, I need to have power over what goes into my soap. I don’t like the cheap feel of soap leaving your skin dry–something you can get from low quality melt & pours–so I just sucked it up & bought the Beginner’s Cold Process Soap Kit. I’ve made 2 bars of soap so far, so in 4-6 weeks–it takes at least 4 weeks for soap to cure–I’ll finally have my belated birthday giveaway! I guess it’s way too late to even call it a belated birthday giveaway, I’ll just call it my summer giveaway or something. Anyway, more details on that when the soap finishes curing.
Before I get too carried away with soap, let’s talk about my new edible recipe, which features a mix of oyster mushrooms & crimini, kale, cashews, & of course, creamy polenta. Don’t mind the flattened look of the polenta–took a picture of this when the polenta was at its least creamy aka the next day, heated up–this recipe will produce a very creamy bowl of polenta, which you can top off with your choice of mushrooms, greens, & nuts. It makes a really quick & easy vegetarian dinner & if you’re still hungry, you can grill some other veggies like asparagus or squash or any protein (tofu, fish, etc) of your choice!
Mixed Mushroom Polenta Bowl
Mmm…creamy goodness, with the meaty taste of sautéed mushrooms. Now, I’m not a huge fan of New American cuisine (ironically written after America’s birthday; sorry, not sorry, ‘mericuh). New ways to make mac & cheese with bacon, lobster, or Hot Cheetos isn’t really that interesting to me, but I certainly don’t want to be a food blog that is married to Asian food. There’s certainly nothing wrong with food blogs dedicated to a specific cuisine, but I think if you’ve stuck with me for a while, you know I’m more than just “some chick who makes a lot of Asian food recipes” & I’m happy with that. I love learning new skills & having new crafts to improve upon, which is why I’m so excited about making soap: a beautiful combination of science & creativity.
ANYWAY, this polenta bowl is under 500 calories per serving & a great source of Vitamin A, C, & iron! Get your polenta on, folks. Get on my recipe so you can get it in your belly.
Peek-a-Boo Maine Adventures
More photos when I can actually publish a Foodie Fridays post.
Can I Eat That?
Tell me about your recent travels or food adventures, whether they be out & about or at home in the kitchen, lay it on me.
This polenta looks delicious! I love how you fortified it with the mushrooms and kale. This would be a great complete meal when you feel like eating light.
I’d not have known that the polenta has a particular form until you mentioned it. I hadn’t even heard of polenta until New Year’s Eve of 2014, so yeah, that’s a totally new food for me! This looks good, though! I wouldn’t mind trying more polenta dishes, so thanks for sharing this!
And oooh! Maine photos! They are some nice shots, Tiff!
I love making soaps and scrubs. My mom and I went through a phase where we tried to sell them but it never worked out well. So we just make the soaps and scrubs that we love to use. My favorite is a sea salt scrub. I use it on my face daily. It’s actually cheaper, and a lot more fun, than going out and purchasing bath and body products that only work half as well.
Is it odd to say that I have never eaten polenta before?
Yet I’ve seen it on so many cookery shows! I need to make
this myself someday!
Anyway have fun making the soap bars! We would love to
see some pictures of it c: Xx
Wow, I didn’t realize how long it takes for soap to cure! I envy your patience, haha.
Hmm, I’ve never had polenta! It looks good though, and I’m all about anything with kale and mushrooms. I might try it out and make it for my new roommates this semester.
Those are beautiful photos! Lighting is on point. The lobster roll looks SO GOOD. I’m interning in Dallas this summer and there are a tonnnn of places to eat. Most of the people I’ve met here tell me that there are only two things to do in Dallas – shop & eat. I’m totally okay with that. The city is really big on small businesses, so there aren’t many chains. It’s awesome!
Ooh, that’s interesting. I didn’t know it took so long for soap to cure! That’s so neat that you’re making your own.
Aahh, polenta is so tasty. I’ve never made it before, and your recipe makes it look easy. I’ll probably try it some time!
Such pretty Maine photos too 😀 I especially love how the fog looks over the lake.
This polenta looks lovely.. My current fav is a cheesy version chilled then grilled or broiled til crispy then throw a melange of sauteed mushrooms, and dill weed with a nice rustic hunk a baguette and a glass of some grown up drink.