Grilled Polenta Crackers With Roasted Pepper Salsa Recipes

GRILLED POLENTA CRACKERS WITH ROASTED PEPPER SALSA

Steps:

• Preheat grill pan to high.
• Slice polenta and brush lightly with oil. Grill 2 or 3 minutes on each side to score the cakes and warm them.
• Place peppers, olives, capers, parsley, onion, garlic and red pepper flakes in processor and pulse the power to chop salsa. Top polenta with spoonfuls of salsa and serve.

SPICY POLENTA CRACKERS

Steps:

• In a food processor, fitted with the blade attachment, add the dry ingredients and pulse 3 times for 2 seconds each. Add in the half-and-half and the butter and pulse for 10 second intervals, 4 to 5 times, or until a dough starts to form. If the dough seems crumbly, and not binding, drizzle in a few drops of the water, a little at a time, until it binds.
• Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead a few times. Divide in half, cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Put a silicone baking mat on your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle, about 6 by 9 inches and 1/4-inch thick. Evenly trim the edges, adding back any trimmings to the second portion of dough. Cut 2-inch strips with a knife, but leaving the dough in place. Then cut diagonals to form triangular pieces, 2 inches on their long side. Repeat, gently transferring them to a baking sheet fitted with a silicone baking mat, spacing them 1-inch apart. Repeat with second half of dough.
• Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, checking carefully after 9 minutes. Crackers will start to turn golden.
• Remove from oven and let cool. Store tightly covered for up to 3 days.

GRILLED POLENTA

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, bring the water and the salt to just a boil. Reduce the heat, slowly whisk in the polenta and season with pepper. Continue to whisk until the mixture starts to tighten up, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the fresh chopped herbs, 2 tablespoons of the butter and the Parmesan. Continue to stir until well combined and very thick, taste for seasoning adjustment.
• Liberally butter a 10-inch springform pan on the bottom and about 2-inches up the side. Pour in the hot polenta and with a rubber spatula, rubbed with butter, smooth out the top. Set aside to cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to set. (This can also be done up to 1 day ahead.)
• Preheat a grill to medium.
• When ready to grill, or pan fry, remove the polenta from the pan and cut it into equal pie shapes or cut circles with a biscuit cutter. Lightly oil a grill, brush each side of the polenta with olive oil and grill or pan sear until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Arrange the polenta on a serving platter and serve hot.

POLENTA CRACKERS WITH ROASTED WILD MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• For the crackers: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine the flour, cornmeal, Parmesan, tarragon, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the butter and pulse until incorporated. Add the heavy cream and process until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
• Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper and place the dough on top. Shape the dough into a rectangle with your hands, then lightly flour the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin until it is a little less than 1/4 inch thick (about a 15-by-12-inch rectangle). Poke all over with a fork. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely on a rack.
• For the mushrooms: Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Toss the mushrooms with the oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper on the prepared baking sheet. Roast, stirring once or twice, until tender and well browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, tarragon and a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and top with the tarragon-lemon juice mixture.
• Serve the crackers with the mushrooms on the side for topping.

GRILLED POLENTA CRACKERS WITH ROASTED PEPPER SALSA

Steps:

• 1. Preheat grill pan to high Slice Polenta and brush lightly with oil. Grill 2 or 3 minutes on each side to score the cakes and warm them. Place peppers, olives, capers, parsley, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes in processor and pulse the power to chop salsa. Top polenta with spoonfuls of salsa and serve.

POLENTA CRACKERS

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil. Add polenta and herbs, and cook until creamy. Remove from heat, and add salt and margarine. On a well-oiled cookie sheet, spread out batter until thin. Score into pieces with a sharp knife. Bake in a 350 degree oven 30-55 minutes, until crispy and brown. Cool and serve.