Photo: Creamy Polenta with Bacon and Cranberries Recipe
Ingredients
Polenta:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
- 1 1/4 cups polenta or yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 3/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- Freshly ground black pepper
To Assemble:
- 10 to 12 strips thick-cut applewood smoked bacon (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature (about 8 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Directions
For the polenta: Bring the broth, 2 1/2 cups water and the salt to a boil in a heavy 5-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in the polenta. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the Parmesan, milk and butter. Stir until the butter and Parmesan have melted. Season with salt and pepper.
For assembly: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until brown and crispy, 15 to 17 minutes. Drain on paper towels. When the bacon is cool enough to handle, chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
Whisk together the mascarpone cheese, maple syrup and salt in a small bowl until smooth.
Transfer the polenta to 4 bowls or serving plates. Divide the bacon pieces and spoon on top. Dollop each serving with the mascarpone mixture and sprinkle with the dried cranberries.
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By lostfoodie
on March 06, 2012
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I also had not made polenta until trying this recipe. I had also never had mascarpone before this. The combination of these flavors is so delectable! I have made this a few times now, I thought using 3 Tbsp agave was a little too sweet for my tastes. I now make it with 2 Tbsp, doesn't change the consistency of the mascarpone. I am also head over heels for cooking bacon in the oven! That is such a quick and clean way of making wonderfully crisp bacon! My 5 year old loves this, she tried a bite, gave me a thumbs up and said, "Now that's what I'm talking about!" I would really appreciate some nutritional information on these recipes, though.
By samanthajane89
arlington, wa
on January 31, 2012
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i was looking for dinner ideas one night cruising through the foodnetwork and giada was on. i love her show so i stopped to see what she was cooking up, that day was breakfast. i work at a breakfast restraunt so i was curious to try this dish because i havnet heard of polenta for breakfast before. OMG! this dish is so yummy! it is like a savory cream of wheat! i love it! i will make again multiple time!
By bonniebeebee
st. louis, MO
on January 02, 2012
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I had never made Polenta before watching Giada prepare this dish...I was intrigued by the ingredients and could almost taste the flavors just by watching her speak about it being her comfort food.....well I have to agree with her ....this simple recipe was so delicious and unique with the bacon and cranberries...both sweet and savory with a buttery creamy corn polenta...and what isn't great with mascarpone but she calls for a little pure maple syrup added to it...Outstanding! We loved it and look forward to making it again an again. it was the perfect meal to have after weeks of eating heavy meats and party foods for the holidays. It satisfied on all levels!
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