Gluten Free Cream Cheese Polenta Cakes (or Goat Cheese)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or oil), for dish
• 2-1/4 cups water, plus more if necessary
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup gluten free yellow grits (Arrowhead Mills)
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon white (or black) pepper (optional)
• 1/3 cup (2.7 ounces) soft gluten free cream cheese (Philadelphia)
• 2 tablespoon dried basil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed
• 1/3 cup gluten free breadcrumbs, seasoned* (or plain) (4C brand)

Instructions:

1. Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish; set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, add water and milk; bring to a low boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add the grits while constantly whisking. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Stir at least twice during cooking. It has a tendency to stick to the saucepan.
4. Stir in the cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of the basil, and onion powder. Add additional salt and pepper if desired.
5. Scoop the polenta into the prepared baking dish and distribute evenly. Sprinkle the remaining basil on top and refrigerate for at least 40 minutes or until firm. If refrigerating overnight, cover once cool.
6. Slice into 16 small equal-sized squares, but leave them in the dish.
7. Spread the breadcrumbs on a plate. Spray the top of the polenta with olive oil spray.  Remove the squares from the dish and press the tops into the breadcrumbs.
8. Preheat a 12-inch skillet over medium to medium-high heat with a little oil. Fry 8 of the polenta cakes at a time, breadcrumb side down until golden brown, about 2 minutes or longer. Turn them over and fry until golden brown on the bottoms. Fry the next batch of 8 in the same manner. Keep the first 8 in a warm oven. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
9. If desired, top with Pesto Sauce, Pizza Sauce or Marinara Sauce, if desired. However, they are divine just the way are.

Tips

© Copyrighted 2009 - 2016. Wilkins Publishers. All rights reserved. All content, photos and images are copyrighted by us or their respective owners. You must obtain permission by their owners before using any of them.