30 in 30 Update– Learning Italian

Remember this little resolution list? Where I resolved to do 30 things in my 30th year?

Yeah, well I’m excited to start working on a big item on the list.

I’m Learning Italian!

Right after I announced my 30 in 30 goals, I received a notification for a Groupon Deal to Online Trainers which offers Online Language Lessons. I did a little research for reviews to Online Trainers and read quite a few good things, so I decided to go for it. It seemed like a sign when it popped in my inbox that day, and during purchase I found I had a $10 Groupon Bucks to spend which made it even cheaper.

In the past I’ve tried various audio programs when I was trying to build on the French I learned in College and it worked well. I enjoy self paced classes and prefer online courses these days simply because I can work them around my schedule. I honestly would have loved to purchase the Rosetta Stone, but couldn’t bring myself to pay for the program. [I’m still kicking myself for not purchasing both French and Italian from Borders when they closed and put them on clearance.] I purchased the year long Online Trainers plan so hopefully by this time next year I’ll be crossing this goal off my list and speaking some decent Italian. Hell, I might even consider a trip to Italy as my 31st birthday trip (another list item).

Once I have been in the program for a while, I’ll do another check in and let you know how it’s going.

 

I’m curious: Anyone else out there trying to learn another language? If so, what language and how (i.e. school, online, self taught, etc)?

White Cheddar Pesto Pizza

I can’t believe it’s taken be this long to make Pizza at home. I think I’ve always been a little afraid of making Pizza at home because I thought it wouldn’t be as good as my favorite pizza place. That’s right, I was afraid of disappointment from a pizza.

But I was wrong…

…Very Very Wrong.

Welcome to my new obsession, White Cheddar Pesto Pizza.

It’s simple, flavorful, crispy, chewy, cheesy, and just plain amazing. It was one of those recipes that turned into a happy accident. I was fully prepared for failure with this one, so I didn’t take  a lot of pictures of the process, sorry.

I used Pillsbury Thin Crust Pizza Dough, and it turned out great. However, now that I know what a successful homemade pizza tastes like, I hope to make pizza dough from scratch now on. Anyone have a good, easy pizza dough recipe?

I sprayed the pan with a little cooking spray and a sprinkle of cornmeal for texture. Then I laid out the pizza dough on a cookie sheet. Following the package instructions, I pre-baked the dough for several minutes.

Next I layered on a few spoonfuls of Buitoni Pesto Sauce, then topped it generously with Mozzarella and White Cheddar Cheese. On top of the cheese, I sprinkled some garlic powder, dried onion, and dried Italian herbs.

Then baked until bubbly and crispy, served with a side of garlic green beans.

This was faster (and much better) than delivery, sorry pizza dude.

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Linging To: Polly Want A Crafter, Between Naps on the Porch, Craft-O-Maniac, The Girl Creative, Making the World Cuter, Addicted 2 Decorating, Remodelaholic, Ginger Snap Crafts, Blue Cricket Design, Very Merry Vintage Style, Savvy Southern Style, The Shabby Creek Cottage, The ArtsyGirl Connection, The Crafty Nest, The Shabby Nest, French Country Cottage, Dear Creatives, Ohh Baby Designs, The Not So Functional Housewife

Polenta Gratin with Mushrooms & Fontina

What would you say if I told you that this meal took less than 15 minutes? That’s no joke folks!

A few years back, someone at the grocery store introduced me to pre-made polenta in this funny tube. It looked gross, but he was cute, so I feigned interest and bought a funky tube of polenta. Little did I know, he actually knew what he was talking about, go figure.

In truth, I’ve never made polenta from scratch so I have no idea how the taste compares, but I’ve come to love my little tubes of polenta. I usually keep one in my pantry at all times for a super quick meal.

This was one of those nights. Thanks goodness it’s incredibly fast, easy and fancy enough to serve to guests. They’ll think you slaved over the stove for them.

Promise.

Polenta Gratin w/ Mushrooms & Fontina

Serves: 4

1 Tube Ready Made Polenta (I prefer plain, but you can use pre-seasoned)

8 oz Mushrooms (Baby Bella or White Button)

4 Slices Fontina Cheese (1/2 C grated)

1/2 Cup 1% Milk

1 Tablespoon Flour

1 Tablespoon Butter

Garlic (2 cloves or to taste. We really like garlic)

Herbs (I used about 1 teaspoon dried Italian blend, but I would recommend fresh if you can)

Cooking Spray

Step 1: Spray 8×8 Baking Dish with Cooking Spray. Heat oven to 500 degrees.

Step 2: Unwrap your Polenta by cutting off both ends quickly with a sharp knife. Then make a single slice along the seam and peel open. This will leave you with a tube instead of forcing you to squeeze it out of the wrapper.

Slice the polenta and layer in the baking dish. You should overlap the slices slightly, but you want a single layer. Don’t do multiple layers or it will be too dry.

Step 3: Slice the mushrooms and sauté with the garlic until tender.

Step 4: Sprinkle the mushrooms with the flour and stir until mushrooms are coated. Then add the butter and milk, stirring until thickened. Add the herbs.

Step 5: Pour the mushroom mixture over the polenta slices.

Step 6: Add the cheese.

Step 7: Bake at 500 degrees for about 7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and browning.

Now plate up that gooey, cheesy goodness and enjoy!

Make this even faster by replacing the flour, butter, and milk with ready made Alfredo Sauce. Just toss the sauce with the mushrooms and pour over the polenta. Top with the cheese and bake for the same amount of time.

I used this cheese, found at Trader Joe’s Deli department. The tube of polenta was also purchased from Trader Joe’s but you can find it at most major markets as well as Henry’s, Whole Foods, and Fresh & Easy.

Instead of fresh garlic I used these dry slices. I bought this jar at Homegoods a while back, it’s pretty genius with tons of flavor.

My only other advice…don’t eat dried garlic slices straight out of the jar. My childlike curiosity got the better of me, and it was gross. Learn from my mistakes people.

Otherwise, ENJOY!!

SHOWING THE LOVE!!

Linking to: Funky Junk Interiors, Craft-O-Maniac, The Girl Creative, Making the World Cuter, Savvy Southern Style, Tasty Tuesday Blog Party at Forever Wherever, Ginger Snap Crafts, Blue Cricket Design, Remodelaholic, The Crafty Nest, Addicted 2 Decorating, The Shabby Nest