Pantry Raid!

I woke up this morning to freezing rain, school cancellations, and "don't leave the house if you don't have to" warnings. So, I canceled my classes...we were just meeting in the library today anyway. Besides, I've been having some brake problems with my car (I am taking it to the shop on Monday) and the road in front of my house is covered with sleet. Cars aren't even able to get up the road. I decided not to risk it.

Since I'm homebound today, I figured it would be a good time to make something for Eating Out Loud's Food Fight event...a pantry raid! The rules are simple: Pick a random day (preferably not after you've just completed a shopping trip), take a picture of your pantry, then prepare a dish with several key ingredients from the pantry.

Easy, breezy.

Here's what my pantry/food cabinet looks like:

At first, I considered making something with pasta, beans, & tuna (things I always have on hand), but it was only 1:00 and I wanted something more "brunch-like," more rib-stickingly filling.

So, I made tomato herb polenta & poached eggs with:

2 cups water
1/2 cup corn meal
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, crushed
salt & pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup marinara sauce
2 eggs
olive oil, for drizzling

• Bring the water to a boil in a non-stick saucepan.
  
• Stir in the polenta, and stir until it thickens.
• Add the herbs, garlic, a pinch of salt, & a couple cranks of black pepper.
• Put a lid on the pan and cook on low for 5 minutes.
• Poach the eggs in simmering water, drain.
  
• Remove lid & stir in cheese & marinara sauce.
• Spoon polenta into 2 bowls. Drizzle with olive oil. Add an egg to each.
  
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a bit more oregano & cheese (if desired).