Creamy Italian Polenta Food

CREAMY PARMESAN POLENTA

Steps:

• Place the chicken stock in a large saucepan. Add the garlic and cook over medium-high heat until the stock comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and very slowly whisk in the cornmeal, whisking constantly to make sure there are no lumps. Switch to a wooden spoon, add the salt and pepper, and simmer, stirring almost constantly, for 10 minutes, until thick. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan thoroughly while you're stirring. Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan, creme fraiche, and butter. Taste for seasonings and serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.

CREAMY CORN POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring the broth, 2 1/2 cups water, butter and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a heavy, large saucepan over high heat. Gradually whisk in the polenta. Continue to whisk until the polenta begins to thicken, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook until the polenta is very thick and tender, stirring often with a flat-bottom spoon or heatproof rubber spatula to prevent sticking or burning, about 20 minutes. Blend the corn in a mini processor until a coarse puree forms. Stir the corn puree into the polenta. Season with more salt if desired.

CREAMY ITALIAN POLENTA

Steps:

• In an 8-quart pot over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and when it starts sizzling, add finely chopped shallots and sauté for 1 minute.
• Add garlic and sauté it for only 30 seconds. Add dried rosemary and cayenne pepper and stir continuously for 30 seconds.
• Pour in chicken broth, stir, increase the heat to medium-high and season with salt and pepper; bring the mixture to a boil.
• When the liquid is boiling, in a slow stream, add cornmeal whisking constantly.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and heavy cream. Whisk until nicely blended and then switch back to a wooden spoon, stirring constantly for a couple minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, giving it a good stir.
• When time is up, add cheese and stir once again until well mixed. Serve immediately and if desired, sprinkle on some paprika and garnish with a sprig of parsley.