Crisp Parmesan Olive Sundried Tomato Polenta Bites Recipes

PARMESAN CRISPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Pour a heaping tablespoon of Parmesan onto a silicone or parchment lined baking sheet and lightly pat down. A silicone baking sheet is highly recommended. Repeat with the remaining cheese, spacing the spoonfuls about a 1/2 inch apart.
• Bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Cool.

PARMESAN POLENTA FOR GRILLING

Steps:

• Bring stock or water (pinch of salt if using water) to boiling in a 2 quart sauce pan. Add rosemary if using. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal to the boiling stock / water, whisking constantly. Cook and whisk until mixture returns to boiling. Reduce heat to very low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add Parmesan cheese and olive oil / butter.
• Pour into a greased 8x4x2-inch loaf pan. Cool 1 hour. Cover and chill several hours or over night. Polenta may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving. To serve, remove polenta from pan and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
• **To bake, place slices in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake, covered, in a 400 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until heated through.
• **To fry, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Add polenta slices and cook about 6 minutes or until golden brown, turning once during cooking time.
• **To toast, lightly brush slices with olive oil and arrange on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Place under broiler, 4 to 5 inches away from the heat source, for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp.

CHEESY SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND OLIVE POLENTA WEDGES

Steps:

• Lightly grease a round sandwich (sponge)cake pan.
• Using a large saucepan, bring the stock to a boil. Add the polenta and reduce to a simmer. Stir constantly for about 10-15 minutes, or until the polenta is very thick.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the cheeses, basil, olives and tomatoes.
• Press the polenta mixture firmly into the prepared tin. Smooth over the top. Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate until firm. this will be at least 2 hours.(This stage can be done a day ahead).
• Cut polenta into 16 wedges. Dust the wedges in flour (use either regular or gluten-free/rice flour)and shallow fry in a large frying pan, until browned and crisp on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper (or use a wire rack) before serving.
• Variation- use a larger tin - that will produce a flatter polenta cake. Cut into squares or wedges. Spray with a cooking oil spray and grill, BBQ or use a health grill.
• Should have 8 serves.