Parmesan Polenta

When we had our Christmas party recently, I handled the savory dishes.  These delicious little bites were supposed to look like Christmas cookies.  The only problem was that our cookie cutters were all too big.  So I used the mouth of a tall drinking glass to make the rounds.  Then my better half had the idea of just cutting the remaining pieces into little squares.

• 3 cups of water
• 2 Tbsp of butter, divided
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Start by greasing a baking sheet or jelly-roll pan.  Then in a saucepan bring 3 cups of water to a rapid boil over high heat.  Then reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the cornmeal.  Add one Tbsp of butter, hot sauce, & cheese, and stir constantly while cooking for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.

Then spread it out evenly in the greased pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes for it to firm up.  Then you will cut your shapes.  Honestly, it was easier to just cut them into squares.  But if you're feeling really festive, get out the cookie cutters.

Next heat a non-stick skillet over medium to medium-high heat.  Add remaining butter and some olive oil.  Make sure it's not too hot; or you can scorch your oil and give it a burnt, foul taste.  Carefully add your polenta cut-outs and cook for 2 minutes on each side, flipping very carefully.  They should take on this beautiful golden color.

Serve them with a tomato sauce or spicy salsa.  They were a real hit.  Every last bit was eaten, and I had a few people come up to me afterward and tell me how much they enjoyed them.  Merry Christmas everyone!