Girl Unmoored

Girl Unmoored by Jennifer Gooch Hummer is a sweet, sad, tender YA story.  Set in the 1980s, Apron (yes, that is the main character's name) deals with friendship and loss.  This story had an original feel to it, that set it apart from much of the drivel that is out there.

This is a dish I have been making for years, I have no idea where I got the recipe, but it is a favorite.  You can certainly substitute beef for the veal (or use the beef/veal/pork mix they sell in the stores). Sorry I forgot to take a picture before we ate it!

Veal, Mushroom and Red Wine Sauce

Makes about 4 cups

3 T oil
1 lb. ground veal
3 large garlic cloves
1 T rosemary
1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced
12.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
3/4 c. red wine
3/4 c. beef broth
1/4 c. tomato paste

Saute veal, garlic and rosemary in oil until meat is browned. Add mushrooms, saute 5 min. Add tomatoes, wine broth and tomato paste.  Boil and then reduce heat to medium and simmer until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally about 30 minutes.  Serve over Polenta Squares (see below).

Parmesan Polenta Squares

1 cup cornmeal
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup parmesan cheese

Bring broth to a boil.  Slowly add cornmeal and whisk together, when thick turn off heat and add parm, salt and pepper.  Pour into a 8x8x2 baking pan.  Cool until firm, at least 30 min. 

Cut into squares brush with oil, put on a pan in the broiler or toaster oven until golden brown.  Put on plate or in bowl, sprinkle with parm and then veal sauce.