Today I am guest blogging at the Cravings of a Lunatic blog. Kim is a barefoot cook who hates eggs, tomatoes and mac n cheese and if different foods touch on her plate, she throws a hissy fit. Did you notice the name of her blog? All this plus plenty more makes her one very entertaining woman and she sure can cook. Look at the side bar on her blog and those photos of mouthwatering food will knock your socks off. Two which make me want to reach right in and grab them are her Pistachio Chocolate Frozen Mousse and her Strawberry Cannoli Parfaits with Pistachios.
Anyway I blogged about the Pesto, Mozzarella Polenta Appetizers in the photo above. The recipe is below and also on her blog but if you want to hear about the day I lifted a mighty heavy stove right off my tiny son with one hand, you will have to go visit her over there. And you won’t regret it because she has great recipes and stories that make you smile.
- Homemade pesto using garlic-infused oil instead of garlic cloves
- 1 big slice of ham
- Several small bocconcini mozzarella balls
- 2 tomatoes
- 500ml water
- Polenta
- Boil the water and very slowly, mixing all the time, pour in polenta until it thickens, and stirring becomes tough. Then stop and let it cook until it is smooth to the taste. Instant polenta will be quicker than the classic polenta.
- Remove and immediately pour onto a big chopping board.
- Smooth it out as much as possible to an even thickness – about ¾ inch/2cm.
- Using a small glass, cut out rounds and oil them lightly.
- Put them onto a hot grill and leave until grill marks appear. You can do both sides but one is enough.
- With grilled sides facing up, slather on a little pesto and top with a small piece of ham, a ¼ of a slice of tomato and ½ a tiny bocconcini mozzarella.
- Place under the grill for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Beautiful appetizers! Headed over now!
They are easy and so tasty – a win win.
Suzanne
What a great idea for appetizers! I am totally crazy about grilled polenta. Thanks for the recipe Suzanne!
You’re welcome, Rowena. I am a great fan of both polenta and appetizers. I love little foods that can be eaten in one or two bites.
Suzanne
Kim is such a riot. Your appetizer looks good.
She is great fun and I love her blog.
Suzanne
What gorgeous looking appetisers xx
Thanks, Charlie.
Suzanne
That sounds delicious. I need to cook for 17 family members in September and am looking for quick, easy, but delicious appetizers. I love the idea of the pesto on top of creamy polenta rounds…
The polenta base is a great one for lots of toppings. It makes a change from the usual pizza base, crackers or bread. Good luck with the family get-together.
Suzanne
I really enjoyed the post over at Kim’s, and wanted to say so here, too. Good recipe but an amazing story.
Thanks for dropping by.
Suzanne
These appetizers look absolutely fantastic. Tomatoes and pesto some of my favorite foods. I like the fact that you served it over mozzarella polenta, which makes it unique. Great pictures!
I love to use polenta as a base for lots of things. It’s a personal favourite.
Suzanne
I just read the whole story over at Cravings of a Lunatic. What a story. Your heart must have stopped for a moment. I’m glad nothing happened to your son.
I think my heart probably did stop as it has many times since. Bringing up children is not for the faint-hearted.
Suzanne
Suzanne thank you so much for such an amazing guest post. I cannot thank you enough for filling in at the asylum for me. You did me proud and I am so thankful to count you among my foodie friends. I’ll shoot you an email over the weekend about the trip. Hope all is well with you. Love, Kim xx
You are most welcome, Kim. I enjoyed being a part of your blog for a bit. I’d love to hear about your trip.
Suzanne
Suzanne, this is just beautiful! I made this 2 times in 3 days, this is my number one now: amazing taste and quickly to make!
I’m so pleased you have enjoyed this recipe, Violette. It is super tasty.
Suzanne