A Wonderful Winter Dinner

Last night I got to try a dinner that I have wanted to try for awhile. I actually saw the idea for it on the last season of "Worst Cooks in America". It was surprisingly easy, with most of the prep being done during naptime. (I love dinners like that!) It was quite filling as well.

Italian Sausage Ragu with Polenta Cakes

For the polenta:
1 cup cornmeal
2 cups milk
2 cups water
2 tsp salt
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp basil

Bring milk, water and seasonings to a gentle boil. Add the cornmeal, stiring constantly while you are pouring it in. Cook till thickened. Pour into a shallow pan and place in the refridgerator for at least 2 hours.

For the ragu:
2 zuchinni
5 mushrooms
1 cup carrots
1 onion
1 head garlic
1 lb Italian sausage
2 cans tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup red wine
salt
pepper
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp basil
2 tsp thyme
parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400. Cut up your veggies and place in a 13x9 pan, this includes the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in oven and roast for 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, brown the sausage in a pan. Once the veggies are done put them in with the sausage. Make sure to chop the garlic up finely. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to low and cook for at least 3 hours. (you can also do this in a crockpot, just make sure you take the time to brown the sausage before you put it in)
When it is time to eat, take your polenta out of the refridgerator. Cut in squares or circles. Melt some butter in a pan, dredge the cakes in some flour and place in pan. Cook until brown and crispy on both sides. Place on a plate, top with the ragu and place some slices on parmesan on top. Enjoy!!!!