POLENTA FRIES

                       

I love polenta!  I think it’s because it reminds me of grits from my Southern roots.  I heard about someone making fries from polenta and I thought that was very interesting, so I did a little research and came up with a recipe that I think you will enjoy.  The fries are really delicious---but also very fun to make.  I think this would be a great cooking activity for you and your kids.  Serve them with your favorite sauce, anything from ketchup to  a spicy mayo would be wonderful. 

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth

2 and ½  cups whole milk (more if mixture is too thick during cooking process)

3 T. butter

3 and ¼ cups dry polenta

1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

¼ cup finely chopped parsley

Kosher salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Canola or grapeseed oil (for frying)

Instructions:

*Pour chicken broth, milk and butter into a sauce pan.

*Whisk in polenta and bring to a boil.  Then reduce heat and stir until polenta thickens and begins to set up (pulling away from the sides of the pan).  This takes about 10-15 minutes.

*Remove from heat and stir in cheese, parsley, salt and pepper.

*Lightly spray a baking sheet  (with sides)  with PAM.

*Spread polenta onto the  baking sheet (evenly) and refrigerate until cold.

*Remove from refrigerator and cut into thin (or thick) “fries” (approximately 4 inch sticks).

*Heat oil in  a heavy (I use cast iron) frying pan or deep fryer.  Fry polenta fries until crispy.

*Remove and place on paper towel lined baking sheet.  Serve warm with your favorite sauce.