It's my lucky day. Friday the 13th. In fact, less than 20% believe that Friday 13th is unlucky. I am in the great majority who thinks it is my lucky day. While there's no forcing luck [if you believe in luck], a good attitude might just bring you fun and excitement on this day before the weekend. Here are some lucky things to do and not do:
1. Wear red underwear. Apparently this color brings you more luck than other colors. Whatever you do, don't choose green under garments or luck might abandon you.
2. This is the day for choosing good things, good thoughts and good outcomes. Also, not believing in bad luck is a good approach because research has shown that people who believe in bad luck tend to bring it on!
3. Think about how lucky you are. Spend a little part of your day counting your blessings. What are all the things you're grateful for in your life? Who are the people in your life that matter most to you? What wouldn't you change about your life for all the world? Remind yourself of all the people, opportunities and things that make you feel lucky in your life whenever you feel a sense of impending doom about anything!
4. Forget the cleaning. Few need to be told this most days but Friday the 13th is a great excuse because apparently handling a broom is unlucky on this day, as is changing the sheets, flipping the mattress or doing the laundry. So forget the cleaning and cook something corny.
5. Cook polenta. It is plenty corny! I had not even heard of it. If you haven't, let me introduce you to polenta. It is made with ground yellow or white cornmeal. You buy it prepackaged or make it yourself from scratch. It is not difficult to make, but the ready-made is quick and easy.
When cooked, polenta has a smooth, creamy texture. You can do a lot with polenta. It substitutes for mashed potatoes, rice or noodles beautifully. You can add vegetables into the basic polenta mixture. Scoop it from a casserole dish. Create pancake patties with polenta. Fry polenta and top it with cheese. It makes a wonderful side dish with meatloaf, chicken and pork recipes.
If you love food made from cornmeal, such as corn tortillas, tacos and tamales, you will love polenta.
Here is the way to make fried polenta for luck on Friday the 13th.
Fried Polenta Parmesan
Ingredients:
3 cups Polenta (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups olive oil, for frying
1/4 cup course grated Parmesan
Kosher salt to taste
Directions:
Cut the polenta into 2 by 1-inch pieces. Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the polenta pieces until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
Using tongs, transfer the polenta pieces to paper towels and drain. Place the polenta pieces on a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while cooking the remaining batches.
Transfer the polenta pieces to a serving platter. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
Yield: 24 pieces
Ingredients:
3 cups Polenta (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups olive oil, for frying
1/4 cup course grated Parmesan
Kosher salt to taste
Directions:
Cut the polenta into 2 by 1-inch pieces. Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the polenta pieces until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
Using tongs, transfer the polenta pieces to paper towels and drain. Place the polenta pieces on a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while cooking the remaining batches.
Transfer the polenta pieces to a serving platter. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
Yield: 24 pieces
This fried polenta recipe is wonderful served like tacos or taquitos with pork carnitas, beans and rice. It is also good as an Italian food side dish served with marinara, but you can vary polenta a hundred different ways. Use your foodie imagination and create something your family remembers.