Creamy Polenta Bolognese (leftovers!)

Today was another great day… I’m really on a roll here! It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this great. I think a huge part of it is that I’ve really switched up how I’m eating. Lots more whole grains (instead of breads), less sugar, more fruits and veggies… all components of a healthy lifestyle. I’m on my way!

I went to Jazzercise again today! I was excited to see my friend Mindy again, and even more excited to burn tons of calories! My calorie burn wasn’t quite as great as Tuesday but it was still nothing to turn my nose up at (except for the fact that I now STINK):

Duration: 1:03

713 Calories

Max HR: 187/97%

Avg. HR: 159/83%

Yep… still good! When I got home, I was thrilled to heat up some of my Bolognese sauce from Tuesday, except today, instead of pasta, the sauce was on top of some creamy parmesan polenta. I’m such a HUGE fan of polenta, and I found a single-serve microwave method on making homemade that its easier than dealing with the rolls!

I swear that's polenta, not cheddar cheese

Simple How-To: Microwave Creamy Polenta

In a microwave safe, fairly large bowl, mix 1/4 c. polenta cornmeal with 1 c. water or milk. Microwave on full power 1 minute. Stir. Microwave another 2 minutes, stir. Mix in 1 Tbsp. grated or shredded parmesan cheese, and stir well. Eat alone, or top with your favorite sauce.

Sometimes, I’ll make the polenta but instead of cheese, I’ll add cinnamon and vanilla for a sort of rice pudding taste.

In any case, creamy polenta made my leftovers exciting!

I’m going to leave you with a random Question of the Day:

What’s your favorite kitchen gadget/appliance/utensil? Mine has to be either my new cast iron skillet, my Keurig coffee maker, or maybe my Wüsthof knives… it’s so hard to decide! I do have one thing that I just like looking at… my mom got this for me for Hanukkah a couple years ago, and it never ceases to crack me up! It’s called “The Ex”:

I don't know what he did to deserve this punishment!

Don’t forget to enter my chocolate giveaway, and in more chocolate news, the lovely Katie is giving away a WHOLE box of Jocolat bars on her blog and you can enter here!

Have a wonderful night!

xoxo,

Tagged as: giveaway, Italian, leftovers, workout