POLENTA

My family was very frugal as I was growing up. As a child, I thought they were down right cheap. My mother always shopped with a list and there was never any waste. As a result, you guessed it, I have grown up to be pretty much the same way. Now as everyone is trying to cut back and make their food dollar go further, I'm on the front row cheering. We should have been doing it all along. Most of the time it's less expensive to make your own rather than to buy the already prepared version.

When we used to grow corn, we first ground it for grits, then next would come the cornmeal, then we would leave some very coarse for the chickens and the goats got the cleaned ears and the husks. There was no waste whatsoever. I kept a little of the husk back for compost.

It was then that I experimented with Polenta until I got the recipe just right. Look at the small amount you buy at the market and compare it to what you can make for pennies.

POLENTA

3 cups stone ground cornmeal
9 cups water
1 teaspoon garlic salt
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 stick butter

Combine all, except butter, in heavy pot.
Bring to boil stirring constantly until cornmeal pulls away from pan.
I use a heavy whisk. Cook for about 30 minutes. Continue stirring.
Add 1/2 stick of butter just before removing from burner.
At this time, you can also add 1 cup grated cheese, any kind, and stir.

Remove from stove and pour onto several slightly oiled cutting boards.
(One third of the recipe makes enough for a 9" X 13" cutting board.)
Let cool and become firm. Cut into serving pieces. I use a biscuit cutter for this.

When ready to serve, put 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in skillet, and fry Polenta until slightly browned on both sides.

Full recipe yields about 45 pieces.

Polenta can be stored in the refrigerator up to one month.
To freeze, wrap in plastic and store in freezor bags.

This recipes is easily halved or divided into 1/3 of the recipe.
It keeps well, so it is good to have on hand.

Enjoy Polenta at breakfast with eggs, bacon and sausage.
Delicious with all kinds of meats and vegetables.
Use in place of rice or potatoes.

This cost about $.50 to make!