Back in 2004 Jim shared with me a column in his Men's Health magazine, "a Man, a Can, a Microwave." I always get a kick out of the creative way the authors can motivate men to cook by reminding them that 'chicks dig fancy food' and that a man can get guy-points if they cook for the object of their affection. Rodale, the publisher of Men's Health (as well as my favorite, Prevention) has even produced a cookbook with the many easy recipes that aim to attract chicks and at the same time be macho enough for guys. Now I have seen many of these recipes that were interesting, many of them with an Italian bent, but this one really grabbed me. It is made with caponata, which I love, but I think there are many possible substituions including mushrooms and sausage.
10 oz of canned caponata (precooked eggplant)
1/2 of a 15 oz can of Italian-style tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
16 oz package of prepared polenta (tube)
1/2 C chopped onion
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 large cloves garlic, minced
3 T grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
In 2-qt microowave dish mix onion and oil, and nuke for 4 - 6 minutes, until onion is soft and clear. Stir in garlic, caponata, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning and heat for 8 - 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Slice polenta into 1/2" thick disks and place them in the sauce. Spoon some sauce evening over the polenta. Microwave for 2 - 3 minutes, or until the plenta is hot. Top with Parmesan cheese.