Good Bye Summer.... Hello School

The day has come where we retire the swimsuits and beach chairs for school books and new book bags. Summertime is almost over and the school buses have flooded Union County as the 2010-2011 school year begins. I am sure may Mommy tears have flowed this morning and I am sure some Moms had a sigh of relief. For me.... I had a slight sign followed by some feeling of loneliness. I do admit I did love the sound of the buses buzzing through the neighborhood. With the start of the school year begins the daily grind the 5:30 a.m. alarm clock, packing of lunches, homework, after school activities, fall soccer and softball and yes.... a quiet house, for the most part.

Matthew has begun his second year of college at CPCC. He has a full course load and seems to be excited about the classes he has chosen. History.... OMG... I am sure we will get daily trivia from Matt as he is well of knowledge. It amazed me that this kids knows such random facts and a little bit about EVERYTHING.

My Taryn is starting her Freshman year at Sun Valley High School. Where has the time gone. It seems like yesterday that she started Pre-K and now she is a big High Schooler. I am so excited for her. She admitted that she is a bit nervous but is delighted. She can not wait to take the year round Art class. That girl is really talented. :)

Jaedan is still at Sun Valley middle and is starting the 7th grade. After this... one more year and she will join Taryn at the High School. Jaedan is excited about the start of the new year and can not wait to see her friends. Aww... to be almost 12... friends are so important to them. She is a bit worried about Math already as this isn't her favorite subject. Mine, neither. She was accepted into the drama program and for her this is a year long course and she is so excited. My little actress. Go, Jae!! You are already a star.

And last but truly not least... Tristan is entering into the BIG 3 year old classroom at First Presbyterian Preschool and can not wait for her first day. She will have a new teacher this year but as she told me she would only visit that class but wanted to be with her Ms. Angie. Angie has been Tristan's teacher for 2 years now, so I am curious how that transition will go. Fingers Crossed!!

 

And for Me, MOM.... Damn this coffee is great. And I can hear a pin drop in my humble little abode.

Polenta Crusted Chicken With Ravioli

     This dish was inspired by a recent visit with my girls to the Olive Garden,  It is a Polenta Crusted Chicken Breast with Ravioli in a Parmesan cream sauce.  My sister Linda and I ordered this dish as it looked delectable and pleasing.  I usually take the safe road while dining out but a night out with the girls made me want to live on the edge. 

     The meal was so delicious that my friend Jill and I just had to recreate the dish.  We experimented and prepared it for ourselves and 4 children.  The preparation was a bit time consuming but in the end it was well worth it.  It would be a lovely meal to serve at a dinner party or any other special event.

Here goes.......

First, prepare the Polenta.  If you are unfamiliar with Polenta....   Polenta is made with ground yellow or white cornmeal (ground maize)  It is usually boiled in water and can be made into a mush or cooled and sliced. 

Polenta

4 Cups of chicken broth
1 Cup Ground Corn Meal
2 TBS Butter
1/4 Cup half & half (a little less, if desired) can also use Heavy cream
1 Cup grated Parmesan Cheese
Salt & Pepper

Chicken Broth & Corn Meal

Bring broth to a slight boil, gradually wisk in corn meal until it becomes thickened and smooth.  You can add a bit more broth (or water)  if needed. 

When Polenta is thick and the consistency of oatmeal or grits, add butter and half and half and continue to wish.  This will make it extra creamy.  Add salt & pepper to taste.  Gradually stir in cheese until combined.  Thats it!  Polenta is done.  Can be served as a side dish instead of rice or potatoes.

Completed Polenta

Set Polenta aside and let it cool a bit until needed.

Crusted Chicken

1 1/2 Pounds of Chicken Breast (or more depending on amount of people serving)
Salt & Pepper
Prepared Polenta
Parmesan cheese

Clean chicken thoroughly.  Pound Chicken with kitchen mallet until 1/4 of an inch thick.  Salt & Pepper to taste and quickly cook in frying pan with a small amount of EVOO (Will bake in oven to finish)  Set aside. When chicken is completely cooked.  Place chicken on a lined cookie sheet.  Cover each piece of chicken with cooked Polenta.  When done, sprinkle each piece with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake in oven for approximately 20-30 minutes until polenta starts to brown.  You can turn on the broiler if needed to crust the polenta.

To complete the dish, cook cheese ravioli according to directions.  While ravioli is cooking prepare the parmesan cream sauce.

Parmesan Cream Sauce

1 small container of Heavy cream

1 Cup Grated parmesan Cheese

Salt & Pepper

Heat heavy cream to a slight boil, add cheese until melted.  Salt & Pepper to taste.  Cheese is a bit salty so minimize the amount of salt you add.

Plate the Polenta Chicken and ravioli's....  add vegetables if desired.  I used baby bella mushrooms and spinach which accompanies the dish well.  Add cream sauce to chicken and ravioli and finish with a few chopped tomatoes for color and taste.  ENJOY!

Polenta Crusted Chicken with Ravioli's in a Parmesan Cream sauce..

Oh, So Delicious!

Across the Pond

What an exciting time for my Matthew.  He has been "across the Pond" in Europe for 3 weeks now and I miss his horribly.  I am sure he is relishing in the excitement of it all.  He left for his adventure on July 15th, for a 5 week backpacking excursion throughout Europe.  I will admit I am excited for him to be experiencing this although I am saddened to see him spread his wings becoming more and more independent. 

Tomorrow is Matthew's 19th birthday and he will be celebrating in the beautiful city of Rome Italy.  Matthew phoned me today to tell me of his visit to Vatican City in Rome.  In his own words "Mom. it was totally amazing".  He said it was extraordinary beyond belief.  He said the Sistine Chapel was breathtaking with all of the historical paintings.  He said there was history all around him and he has learned alot and experienced as much.  God, I wish I was there to experience the wonder of it all.  In spirit, I was standing right beside him.  I wonder if he felt my presence. 

Matthew has been keeping touch with us through Facebook messages and brief phone calls.  I can not wait for him to come home so he can elaborate more on his adventure.  It is so hard to hear it all on a phone call that only last a few moments but I can hear it in his voice.  This is an experience of a lifetime and I am so glad he has had this chance to experience life this was even if it is only for a few short weeks.  I can not wait to learn all about the places he has been, what he has seen, the foods he has tasted and the people he has met along the way.  He has already been to London, Paris, Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid and Rome and he is on his way back to Paris, Brussels, Germany, Amsterdam, and then back to London, then home to Charlotte.  So far, that is the plan but Matt and his friends are being spontaneous along the way.  Ahhh, to be young again!

I will close this entry for now as it is the early morning hours.  Stay tuned for more on Matthew's European adventure.  Maybe I will ask Matt to be a guest Blogger.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Matthew.  I will be thinking about you today as I do everyday.  I love you.  Be safe.
Godspeed, My Son.

Matthew getting ready to head to the airport.

 

Saying Good-bye to Brother.

Matthew and Hannah....  Awww.

All ready with Passport in hand.

Last minute Wisdom from Dad.

Until we meet again.  God Speed.