Coo Coo Caribbean Polenta Food

BAJAN COU COU

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water and salt to a boil.
• Add okra and cook for 8 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine 1 cup water and cornmeal and stir until smooth.
• Add to pot slowly, stirring constantly. Add remaining water and continue to stir.
• Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes, until thickened.
• Spoon some of the mixture into greased ramekins or bowls for individual servings.

COO-COO (CARIBBEAN POLENTA)

Steps:

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, stir together the coconut milk, butter and salt. Bring *almost* to the boil.
• Gradually stir in the cornmeal. Lower heat and cook the mixture for approximately 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly with spoon to prevent sticking (my non-stick pan worked really well for this recipe!) Stir until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. If however, it becomes too thick, stir in a little more coconut water or milk.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 8" x 8" ovenproof pan. Set aside for a couple minutes then cut into squares and serve warm. I think I let the coo coo set for about 10 minutes. The second time I prepared this I added a little bit of vanilla paste and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. Either version is good!