Polenta Medallions

Call me weird, but I like exploring grocery stores -- not the typical large, big-box stores like Safeway or Lucky or even Whole Foods. I like the smaller, independent stores that carry fresh produce as well as specialty pantry items. I find that depending on the demographics of their clientele, these stores carry items that are specific to a particular region of the world. Here in California, I am lucky to have several small, independent stores within easy driving distance that carry regional specialities -- fresh curry leaves from the local Indian store,  za'atar from the local middle eastern grocer, a variety of dried chilies at the local Mexican store, rye bread and frozen pierogis at the local East European store. A trip to these stores often feels like a little excursion to a faraway place. The smaller square footage means that I am not spending my time pushing the shopping cart up and down long isles. Because these stores tend to rely on local suppliers, I get produce that is as fresh as those available at weekly farmer's markets. Since many of these stores are family-owned operations, the workers are often friendlier, making for a more personal shopping experience The only downside is that a trip to one of these stores, though a cultural immersion experience, is not sufficient to meet all the requirements of our weekly grocery needs. While I can get my produce, dairy and a few novelty items here, I have to go elsewhere for chicken, meat, or fish.

The store that hits the sweet spot by catering to all basic grocery needs while providing a whiff of culture is Trader Joe's. If someone said I was limited to one grocery store visit for the week or the month, I would probably pick Trader Joe's. And, I am not alone. Trader Joe's is consistently ranked among the most popular grocery stores in the US. I don't know whether it is the whimsical, handwritten signs, the small store feel with the laidback Hawaiian vibe, the wide variety of items from different cuisines, the impressive wine collection, or the modest prices that draw people to the store. I love the fact that they keep experimenting with their products and come out with new items every couple of months. A trip to Trader Joe's often gives me fun, easy recipe ideas using ingredients that do not break the bank. Like this recipe using their pre-cooked, organic polenta which can be served either as an elegant appetizer at a cocktail party or a light lunch with a side salad. All ingredients in the recipe from Trader Joe's!

What You Need (For 10 polenta rounds):
1 package Trader Joe's pre-cooked polenta (Refrigerating the package for an hour in advance helps to cut into rounds.)
2 cups roughly chopped mushrooms (I used a combination of cremini and shiitaki.)
2 garlic cloves (chopped finely)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp dried red chili flakes
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
21/2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:
Wipe the mushrooms with a moist cloth. Remove stems and chop into chunky pieces.

Heat 11/2 tbsp oil in the pan. Add mushroom, garlic, oregano, and chili flakes. Stir fry to coat the mushrooms in oil. If the mushrooms seem very dry, add another tbsp of oil. Add salt and cook for another minute or two till all the liquid is absorbed by the mushrooms. Remove from heat.

Remove the polenta from its packaging. Cut into rounds -- 1/2 inch to 1/4 inch in width. One package usually yields 8-10 rounds.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a big skillet. Add polenta rounds. Once the bottoms are seared (1 minute), gently flip each round to sear the other side.

Remove from heat and place in a serving platter.

Heap 1 tbsp of mushroom mixture on each medallion. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.