Polenta Toasts With Goat Cheese Caramelized Onions And Port Cranberries Food

POLENTA TOASTS WITH GOAT CHEESE, CARAMELIZED ONIONS, AND PORT CRANBERRIES

Steps:

• Put the onion slices into the slow cooker, and toss with the olive oil and salt. Turn the slow cooker on LOW and cook until the onions are very soft, brown, and reduced, about 10 hours. Turn off the slow cooker, remove the lid, and allow the onions to cool completely. Put a colander over a medium bowl and pour the onions into the colander, allowing all of the liquid to drain out. Reserve the liquid for soups. Transfer the drained onions to the 2-quart saucepan and stir in the chardonnay or balsamic vinegar. Cook the onions uncovered over medium heat until the liquid reduces to almost dry, about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to cool.
• Preheat the oven to 350° F/175° C.
• Slice the polenta into 32 pieces, about 16 per roll. Lay the slices on the parchment-lined baking sheets and brush with a little olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven about 15 minutes. Turn each piece and brush with more olive oil, then return to the oven until the edges start to brown, about 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain and cool.
• To assemble, place a thin slice of goat cheese on each piece of polenta. Arrange some onion pieces on top of the cheese, then add a mound of the port cranberries.

CARAMELIZED ONION AND GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI

Steps:

• In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Stir in onions; cook uncovered 10 minutes, stirring every 3 to 4 minutes.
• Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in salt, brown sugar, and vinegar. Cook 30 to 35 minutes longer, stirring every 5 minutes, until onions are deep golden brown (onions will shrink during cooking). Cool slightly.
• Heat oven to 325°F. Place bread slices on ungreased cookie sheet; spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Bake 6 to 9 minutes or until crispy.
• Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine goat cheese and cream cheese; blending until smooth; set aside.
• Place 1 teaspoon caramelized onions onto each bread slice; top with 1 rounded teaspoon cheese mixture. Sprinkle with herbs.

GRIDDLED POLENTA CAKES WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS, GOAT CHEESE, AND

Steps:

• Bring the water, milk, and salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta. Turn heat to low, and continue whisking for 5 minutes or until polenta is smooth and creamy. Spread the polenta in a 9x9 baking dish, and set aside to cool.
• While the polenta is setting up, add the butter and olive oil to a heavy-bottomed skillet set to medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a sprinkle of kosher salt, and cook, stirring occasionally until soft, golden, and caramelized - about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into another skillet, set over medium heat. Using a 3 inch round cookie-cutter, cut out circles of the firm polenta, and place in the heated skillet. Cook until slightly browned and crusty on one side - about 2 minutes - then flip and cook the other side another two minutes.
• To assemble the polenta cakes, place on a plate and add one tablespoon of caramelized onions to each cake. Then top each with about one teaspoon of crumbled goat cheese, drizzle with honey, and enjoy!

GLUTEN-FREE POLENTA "FRENCH TOAST"

Steps:

• Make the polenta: Bring water and salt to a boil in a 2-quart pot. Add cornmeal in a slow, steady stream, stirring constantly. Cook, stirring often, until mixture begins to thicken, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring often, for 1 hour.
• Stir in syrup, raisins, cinnamon, zest, nutmeg, and milk. Cook for 30 minutes. Spread polenta onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, and let cool. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
• Make the "French toast": Cut cold polenta into 4-inch squares; cut each square into 2 triangles. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Toss polenta triangles with corn flour, dusting off excess. Add to pan; cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Serve with maple syrup and raspberries.

GOAT CHEESE AND CARAMELIZED ONION PHYLLO BITES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In a medium pan, heat oil or butter over medium heat and add onions. Cook till onions are browned and caramelized.
• Fill the phyllo cups about 1/3 of the way with the caramelized onions, top with the goat cheese and if you'd like a sprinkle of cheddar.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

BASIC CHEESE POLENTA

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl combine cornmeal, cold water and salt. Grease a loaf pan.
• Bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a rolling boil and stir in the cornmeal mixture. Bring the mixture back to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the cheese.
• Let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes; stirring frequently. Allow the polenta to simmer until it becomes very thick. Spread the mixture into the loaf pan and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.