Fried Polenta with Tomato Basil Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups 2 percent milk
• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1/4 cup diced roasted red peppers, optional
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, optional
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 bunch fresh thyme leaves

Directions

Butter a 12 by 14-inch baking dish and set aside.

In a large pot, bring the stock and milk to a boil. While whisking, slowly add the cornmeal and continue to whisk until thick, about 15 minutes. Stir in the red peppers and the blue cheese, if using. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and cool completely in refrigerator. When the polenta has cooled, cut into squares. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saute pan. Place the polenta squares in the pan and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. In another saute pan, heat the remaining olive oil and add tomatoes and garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the wine and butter and reduce until sauce has thickened and then add the basil and thyme. Transfer the polenta to a platter and pour the tomato sauce over the squares.