Random Thoughts of Chris Tilley

Since I started blogging I have wandered on to a number of excellent sites. Food Blogga has caused my mouth to water every time I have visited.

My mother started me cooking way back. My earliest memories of cooking was standing on our two level white step stool making scrambled eggs under the watchful eye of my mother. A lot of my favorite memories growing up involve the kitchen. So I am a decent cook although I tend towards what my wife calls 'bachelor fare', heavy, solid stick to your ribs food.

I had tried store bought 'tube' polenta quite a while ago and both my wife and I hated it. It was mushy, watery, flavorless and looked nothing like what I have seen on cooking shows. When I saw the pictures on Food Blogga I thought that looks a lot better maybe its time for another try. Needless to say it came out great, nice creamy texture in the middle, crispy on the outside and had a nice light flavor. For me frying it definitely added to the flavor and overall experience.

My plan was to fry up some boneless skinless chicken thighs with some onion and green pepper. Add some tomato sauce and spice and serve. I put the chicken on to fry, went into the cupboard for an onion, none left. Ok move on, get the green pepper out of the fridge. I'm sure I bought one, were is it. Panic is setting in. Lets just go with tomato sauce and spice it up a bit more. No tomato sauce!!!! We buy that stuff by the case. Ok bachelor mode kicks in. Searching the cupboard for anything 'red'. Find a can of Campbell's Chunky™ Chicken Italian Wedding formerly 'Chicken Catchatori' and tomato paste. Can someone tell me what the difference is between 'Italian Wedding and Catchatori is? Threw the soup in, looked at it and it needed thickening so added the paste. Simmered it until the polenta was fried up.

It worked out very well, it was easy fast and delicious. My wife said it was 'repeatable' meaning I could make it again without consequences. I discovered that polenta is just as good the second day if I fried it again. Tonight I am trying the frittata with the only change of adding some sausage and yes this time I have all the ingredients.