Side Dishes

Jalapeño Jack Polenta

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 4 cups water 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 pound pepper Jack cheese, grated Kosher salt, to taste 1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper Directions Heat the water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Gradually pour the cornmeal into the […]

Cakes, Desserts

Polenta Cake with Grappa, Berries, and Minted Mascarpone

Makes 6 servings This cake is dense and not too sweet, almost like a sweet cornbread. I like to use coarse polenta so that it also has an interesting texture, but if you have to use regular cornmeal, that works as well. Ingredients Polenta Cake 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at […]

Main Dishes

Polenta Gnocchi with Truffled Cheese Fondue

Makes 6 servings Unlike potato gnocchi, these dumplings are a bit more dense and toothsome, though still nice and light. The truffled cheese sauce is decadent and rich, making it perfect for a special occasion. Ingredients Polenta Gnocchi 1 quart water 4 teaspoons kosher salt 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil […]

Main Dishes

Polenta with Sausage Sauce

Serves 4 Dried mushrooms are great for adding richness and savoriness, but they can be a little pricey. As an alternative, look for bulk mushroom powder (you’ll just need a pinch) or you can omit them altogether. For a dairy-free version of the polenta, use olive oil instead of butter […]

Main Dishes

Polenta With Sopressata & Vinegar Sauce

Serves 6 Polenta Ingredients 2 quarts water 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 8 oz (1 3/4 cups) cornmeal Ingredients 6 thick slices sopressata, sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 12 oz) 1/2 cup dry white wine vinegar Directions  Bring the water to a simmer in a large saucepan […]

Desserts

Rosemary Polenta Cake with Savory Strawberries and Goat Cheese

Makes 12 servings This recipe is adapted from the menu of the Gatehouse restaurant on the CIA’s Napa campus in St. Helena, California. It is sweet and savory (mostly sweet!) and is the perfect way to showcase in season strawberries, though we think peaches would also be delicious. The whipped […]

Main Dishes

Soft-Shell Crabs with Grilled Scallions and Lemon Polenta

Makes 6 servings Soft-shell crabs are in season in the spring, so keep your eye out because the soft-shell season doesn’t last that long. Be sure to have the apron, lungs, and eyes removed by your fishmonger and use the crabs as soon as possible. Ingredients Preserved Lemon Zest 3 […]

Chef's Notes Plus

The Great Debate: Grits or Polenta?

People tend to be polenta people or grits people. But like most great debates, we’re a lot more similar than we think. Both polenta and grits are cereals made from stone-ground corn. When cooked, they soften and release starch into the cooking liquid, creating a soft and creamy mixture that […]