Polenta (Corn Meal)

Polenta is basically cornmeal, but versatile and can be used in place of rice, or you can even make "polenta fries" instead of french fries.  Basically, this is similar to cooking risotto.  You cannot just dump it in, walk away and expect it to come out right.  You have to continuously stir it to get it at the right consistency.

In a saucepot, boil your cold water, add salt, and bring reduce to a simmer over medium heat.  Slowly add the ground cornmeal into the pot a little at a time, stirring in.  Reduce your heat to medium low, and continue to stir until the polenta is very smooth and thick for about 30 minutes.  You can also flavor the polenta with any herb you like while it is cooking, sage, cheese of your choice, bay leaves, butter, even mushrooms, it is fun to experiment too.  

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