Parmesan Polenta Fries Food

POLENTA FRIES

Steps:

• Bring 7 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan. Combine 4 cups of the hot water and the milk in a heatproof bowl (the bowl should fit over the saucepan). Gradually whisk in the polenta and 2 teaspoons salt. Cover the bowl tightly with foil and set over the simmering water; do not let the bowl touch the water. Cook until very thick, 20 minutes. Meanwhile, brush a 9-inch square baking dish with olive oil.
• Stir the cheese and butter into the polenta. Spread in the prepared dish and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Slice the chilled polenta into eighteen 4 1/2-by-1-inch sticks and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the sticks with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake until golden, 30 to 35 minutes, turning halfway through.

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.

POLENTA-PARMESAN COOKIES

Steps:

• Whisk the flour, polenta, 1 teaspoon pepper, the baking powder and salt in a small bowl.
• Beat the butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat in the cheese, then the egg. Mix in the flour mixture until the dough just comes together.
• Divide the dough between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Shape each piece into a log and wrap in the plastic. Press the sides of the logs against the counter to form compact square-sided logs, about 7 inches long and 1 inch wide. Freeze the logs until firm, about 45 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Stir the sanding sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Trim the ends of the logs. Cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices and arrange 1 inch apart on the prepared pans. Sprinkle with the sugar-pepper mixture.
• Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until the cookies are crisp and golden on the bottom, 12 to 16 minutes. Let cool completely on the pans.

PARMESAN POLENTA FRIES

Steps:

• Slice one 18-ounce tube polenta into 1/2-inch-thick "fries." Working in batches, dredge the fries in flour and deep-fry in 1 inch 375 degrees F vegetable oil until lightly golden and crisp. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate; sprinkle with grated parmesan and chopped mixed herbs. Season with salt and pepper.

POLENTA FRENCH FRIES

Steps:

• Prepare the instant polenta according to directions on box. Mix all other ingredients above the instant polenta. Smooth onto a pan (a cookie sheet will work), use a spatula, spread out 1 to 1 1/2-inch layer of polenta. Cool in refrigerator overnight. Cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch strips, 3 inches in length. Deep fry until golden, remove, then serve with your choice of hot sauce. To serve: place 4 polenta fries, on 6-inch plate, to form a square. Continue to build 4 layers directly on top of each other. In center of square you built (with polenta fries) place small bowl, fill with Diablo sauce.

PARMESAN POLENTA FOR GRILLING

Steps:

• Bring stock or water (pinch of salt if using water) to boiling in a 2 quart sauce pan. Add rosemary if using. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal to the boiling stock / water, whisking constantly. Cook and whisk until mixture returns to boiling. Reduce heat to very low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add Parmesan cheese and olive oil / butter.
• Pour into a greased 8x4x2-inch loaf pan. Cool 1 hour. Cover and chill several hours or over night. Polenta may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving. To serve, remove polenta from pan and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
• **To bake, place slices in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake, covered, in a 400 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until heated through.
• **To fry, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Add polenta slices and cook about 6 minutes or until golden brown, turning once during cooking time.
• **To toast, lightly brush slices with olive oil and arrange on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Place under broiler, 4 to 5 inches away from the heat source, for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp.