Polenta

Ingredients:
4 1/2 Cups Chicken Stock (or veg stock or water)
1 Tsp Salt
1 Cup Stone Ground Grits (very important, not instant or quick)
6 Tbsp Butter - Cut into chunks
3/4 Cup Milk or Cream (approx)
1 Cup Cheese - Shredded - (Use your imagination, any kind or mix and match)
1 Tsp Black Pepper

Directions:
In a medium pan bring the chicken stock to a boil.  Add in the salt and slowly whisk in the grits to combine and stir out any lumps.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid it sticking and burning on the bottom of the pot.

Check grits to see if fully cooked and then stir in butter, 1 tbsp at a time, to combine.  Slowly whisk in the milk and then cheese and black pepper.

Here is where you may need to add more milk or cheese to get the consistency you want.  I like mine pourable and cheesy.  Also check the seasonings to see if you need to add more salt or pepper. 

This is a basic Polenta recipe.  The combinations of cheeses and seasonings are pretty wide and can take it to Italy, Mexico, etc.  It's a blank canvas.  You can top it with pasta sauce, pulled pork, meatballs, you name it.  It's very versatile.  But it's definitely something you make and serve immediately. If you let it sit it solidifies (and then you can fry it into cakes!).

Enjoy.  #Cheftainment