If you aren't familiar with polenta, well then, let me introduce you! Once you work with it a few times it will become your "go to" item when you are looking for something to deliver taste, but not steal the show. Polenta itself does not have much flavor. It tends to take on the taste of whatever it has been prepared with. It's made from yellow or white cornmeal, and texture can vary depending on how fine the cornmeal has been ground. 

I actually love polenta, it is so versatile & can be used in so many ways...as a replacement for pasta, starch, eggs or even be used like a cracker. Just think of it as a vessel to get whatever you really want to eat into your mouth :-).

I typically buy polenta already made & packaged in what looks like sausage. It can typically be found in the Hispanic/Mexican aisle of the grocery. It is not kept cold until opened, and it comes in a variety of flavors. You simply open, slice and prepare in seconds. You can also make your own polenta which is not difficult at all. I am just lazy on this one and figure why re-invent the wheel, ya know?

Here are two quick and easy recipes you can whip up in a jiffy, however don't be scared to try using it in some of your favorite dishes in lieu of pasta or other starch. I have a wonderful polenta mushroom lasagna recipe that I will post when the chilly days are upon us!

Spicy Polenta Lettuce Wraps

Pre-packaged polenta

Romaine Lettuce

optional toppings (or add your own!):

Black beans

Grape tomatoes

avocado

diced onion

jalapenos

black olives

fresh salsa

shredded cheese

Greek yogurt or low fat sour cream

Slice your polenta into 1/4" thick slices. Get your skillet hot & mist with olive oil. Season your polenta with a fair amount of chili powder, cayenne pepper and a little sea salt (both sides). Place into the hot skillet and brown on either side for a few minutes (2-4 each side).

While the polenta is cooking, prepare your toppings. Cut the end off the romaine & wash & dry leaves. Place the polenta into the lettuce wraps warm & top as you would like!

This makes for a great "create your own" dish as well. Place toppings out in bowls and everyone can select what they would like on theirs...Kids love that idea!

Polenta Bites

Prepare polenta just as above (in a skillet with seasoning). Top each one with a little caramelized red onion, 1/4 teaspoon of goat cheese or vegan cream cheese. One grape tomato & a jalapeno. Make a bunch because these go quickly!

Other topping ideas:

• mozzarella & basil (place under the broiler for a minute to get brown)
• olive tapenade from the grocers olive bar & feta cheese
• make bruschetta (use polenta in place of bread)
• spoon on fat free re-fried black beans, fresh salsa and Manchega cheese
• a grilled vegetable medley (zucchini pronto recipe!) & shaved parmesan

As you can  see, the possibilities are endless...all I am saying, is give Polenta a chance :-). Enjoy!