Polenta Crostini
- 4 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg
- 1 cup fine grain polenta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground coarse black pepper
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme leaves
- In a heavy saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Add 2 teaspoons salt and the nutmeg and reduce the heat to the medium.
- Add the polenta gradually, whisking constantly.
- Continue to whisk for 5 minutes as the mixture bubbles.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to come away from the sides of the pan, about 10 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon thyme and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Invert a rimmed baking sheet on a countertop and cover the surface with parchment paper.
- Spread the polenta out with a spatula into a smooth, even layer.
- Cover the polenta with another sheet of parchment paper.
- Place another baking sheet, right side up, on top of the parchment.
- With 2 hands, press down evenly on the top baking sheet until the polenta is 1/4 inch thick.
- The idea is to sandwich the polenta between 2 flat surfaces.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Invert the baking sheets together.
- Remove the top baking sheet and the top layer of parchment paper.
- The smoother side of the polenta will be facing up.
- Cut the polenta into triangle about 2 inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide.
- Transfer the triangles to 1 or more baking sheets, spacing them 1/2-inch apart.
- Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of the remaining Parmesan cheese and the remaining thyme on top of triangles.
- Bake the crostini until hot throughout and starting to brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Turn the oven to broil and broil the crostini about 8 inches from the heat source until crispy and golden brown on top, about 3 minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- SERVINGS: 48 (APPETIZER); Calories: 21; Total Fat 0.5 grams; Saturated Fat: 0 grams; Protein: 1 grams; Total carbohydrates: 3 grams; Sugar: 0 grams Fiber: 0 grams; Cholesterol: 1 milligrams; Sodium: 123 milligrams
water, salt, freshly grated or ground nutmeg, grain polenta, freshly ground coarse black pepper, thyme
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-chiarello/polenta-crostini-recipe.html (may not work)