Parmesan Polenta Souffle 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.

PARMESAN-POLENTA SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Butter a six-cup souffle dish and dust it with two tablespoons of the cheese. Set aside.
• Bring one and two-thirds cups water with the olive oil to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornmeal in a slow, steady stream, stirring constantly. Cook the polenta at medium-high heat, stirring for about 10 minutes, until the mixture has the consistency of a thick white sauce. Remove from the heat.
• Using a wooden spoon, beat in the egg yolks one at a time. Stir in all but a tablespoon of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. The souffle can be prepared in advance up to this point.
• About 40 minutes before serving, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
• Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they hold a firm peak, but are still creamy. Stir one-quarter of the egg whites into the cornmeal mixture. Then fold the cornmeal mixture into the remaining egg whites. Spoon the mixture into the prepared souffle dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle it with the remaining cheese.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the souffle is puffed, browned and firm. Serve at once.

PARMESAN-CRUSTED POLENTA

Steps:

• Add 8 cups water, the oil and salt to a large saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
• Slowly stream in the polenta while whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the polenta is thickened and smooth, about 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil and evenly coat the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle 1 cup of the Parmesan evenly over the bottom of the pan and allow to toast until golden brown and nutty, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Pour the polenta over the Parmesan crust and smooth the surface. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Set at room temperature until firm, 20 to 30 minutes. (At this point, the polenta can be refrigerated up to overnight.)
• When ready to serve, place the pan back over medium heat to warm the cheese. Place a large plate or serving platter over the surface and invert the polenta onto the plate. Serve topped with your favorite sauce.