Polenta, made from ground cornmeal, is a porridge that dates to ancient times and is known in England and the U.S. as cornmeal mush.

You can purchase precooked, ready-to-heat-and eat “solid polenta” in sausage-like tubes, plain and in flavors such as basil, garlic and sundried tomato.

Slices of polenta can be easily turned into hors d’oeuvres, first courses and sides. They provide a firm base for just about anything. Just pan fry or heat them in the microwave.

Think of polenta as:

• A base for poached eggs.
• An hors d’oeuvre, topped with a grilled shrimp, scallop, smoked salmon or salmon caviar.
• A first course, topped with sautéed mushrooms and fresh herbs.
• A side dish topped with tomato sauce and grated cheese.
• Melt cheese on them for a snack.

This organic polenta is available from
Amazon.com.

 
Polenta is fat free and gluten free; some brands are organic and kosher.