Easy Polenta

Polenta is known as a peasant food, but is actually now served at high end restaurants covered with all kinds of sauces and toppings to make it a gourmet food. It is known for both its heartiness and its nutricious values, so give it a try! Here you go!

Polenta:

3 cups water
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tsp chicken-flavored instant bouillon
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce
1 Tbsp melted butter

In a large saucepan blend 1 cup water and 1 cup cornmeal and bring to a boil and mix until smooth. Then add the remaining 2 cups water, the bouillon, garlic powder, basil, and hot pepper sauce and bring to a boil/

Once boiling bring down to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until very thick...stirring frequently.

Pour the polenta into a greased pie pan and let stand for 15 minutes.

Cut the polenta into wedges; place on a broiler pan drizzling the melted butter over the top and then broil for 4-6 minutes or until bubbly.

OPTIONAL IDEAS:
*Sprinkle cheese over the top before broiling
*Once polenta is done, cover with sauteed mushrooms & onions, pico, or fresh, homemade sauces (tomato or onion).

Zucchini Risotto

This is a really good vegetarian dish! Try it. :)

1 cup arborio rice
2 Tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic salt
3 cups chicken stock
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1 zucchini
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
freshly ground pepper

In heavy saucepan, saute rice in butter stirring constantly.
Add onion, red pepper, and garlic salt. Saute until onions and peppers are tender.
Add 1 cup chicken stock, stirring frequently.
As the liquid cooks down, continue adding 1/2 cup stock at a time until all the stock is used and the mixture is creamy. Keep stirring!
Add zucchini.
Stir in milk.
Fold in cheese.
Top with fresh ground pepper.
Serve immediately.

Fresh Skillet Corn off Cob

6 ears of corn
3 Tbsp butter
water (varies)
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Husk corn and clean off the silks.

Use a sharp knife and cut corn from the cob into a bowl. You'll want to cut about half way deep into the corn. Then, turn the knife over to the non-cutting side and rub up and down the cob to get the rest of the pulp.

Melt butter in large skillet. Pour in corn. Add enough water to make a gravy consistency.

Add the seasonings - sugar, salt, pepper.

Stirring, cook on high for 3 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and cover with lid. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occassionally.

Italian Veggies

These are so delicious and just TOO easy! We had them at our Primary party last night and they were a hit.

Cut up several different kinds of your favorite veggies (I use carrots, a large red pepper, a medium zucchini, medium yellow crook squash, and a lg. tomatoes)
Spread out on large cookie sheet
Pour one bottle of Italian dressing over the veggies
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes