Polenta Pudding Food

BASIC POLENTA

Steps:

• Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a heavy large saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the butter, and stir until melted.

POLENTA PUDDING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Heat milk in top of double boiler. Slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook; stirring constantly, until milk boils and the polenta thickens. Stir in the salt.
• Reduce heat under boiling water to very low and cook, covered, WITHOUT disturbing, for 30 minutes. Replenish water in boiler as needed.
• In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light in color.
• When polents is ready, remove from heat, stir in mascarpone until blended. Pour small amount of polenta into eggs. Whisk in remaining polenta.
• Add lemon zest and vanilla, stir.
• Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Add pudding.
• Bake for about 45 minutes until edges are golden brown.
• Serve with one of the suggested toppings.

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

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Pour in polenta steadily, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until polenta is thickened. It should come away from sides of the pan, and be able to support a spoon. This can take anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes. Pour polenta onto a wooden cutting board, let stand for a few minutes.

CHOCOLATE POLENTA PUDDING

Steps:

• Whisk cornmeal and cocoa in a bowl with water.
• Microwave on high for 3 minutes stirring every minute.
• Let cool for five minutes.
• Enjoy!