Preparing Polenta

• Tube polenta is shelf stable, so it can be stored unopened in a cabinet for a few months (take note of your package's expiration date). To use this polenta, cut one end off of the plastic packaging and slide it off of the tube. You'll notice that the polenta is fairly firm and solid and won't crumble in your hands. Place the polenta on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into slices. Any slice thinner than 1/2 inch could fall apart once you begin cooking it. Most prepared polentas contain salt, so seasoning the slices with salt is generally unnecessary, though a dash of cracked pepper won't hurt. If you're going to pan-fry the slices, you might opt to dust them with flour to encourage the development of a crunchy crust.

Cooking Methods

• Other than the microwave, almost any heat source in your kitchen will cook prepared polenta. Whatever cooking technique you use, prepare your pan with olive oil or butter to prevent the slices from sticking. Saute the slices in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, letting the slices cook for a few minutes on each side or until they start to brown. Bake the slices on an oiled cookie sheet in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or preheat your broiler and quickly brown the slices that way. Watch the polenta closely; the edges may start to brown in as little as 3 minutes. Grilling is one of the tastiest ways to cook sliced polenta, as it infuses the dish with a smoky, nutty flavor. On a medium-hot grill, the slices will only need a few minutes per side to develop grill marks.

Polenta Toppings

• Half the contents of your refrigerator can be used as toppings for hot polenta. Heat up leftover chili and spoon it over the slices, or top them with black beans, salsa and shredded cheese. Grill mushrooms to scatter over polenta, or make a quick and chunky mushroom gravy for a comforting meal on a cold night. Pour your favorite pasta sauce over the slices or turn them into individual pizzas for picky kids by topping each slice with a spoonful of tomato sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Bake the pizzas on a cookie sheet until the cheese melts. Wilted greens, fried eggs, sauteed winter vegetables and cooked, crumbled sausage all make tasty polenta toppers too.

Other Polenta Ideas

• Just because polenta is most commonly served as a savory lunch or dinner dish doesn't mean that's all it can be. With its mild flavor, it pairs surprisingly well with sweet ingredients. Taste a bite of your prepared polenta before combining it with sweets; if the brand you chose tastes salty, it might be best used for savory dishes. Grill or saute slices in butter and top them with cinnamon and sugar, grilled peach or plum slices or rich vanilla ice cream. Polenta has its place on the breakfast table, too. Top the slices with scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon, or slice cooked sausage patties on top of each slice and drizzle on maple syrup. You can also incorporate cooked slices into other dishes. Use them in place of noodles in a lasagna dish, or dice them and fold them into a pasta salad.