Polenta with Green Chiles and Cheese

When you are in the mood for indulgent comfort food, this recipe is a must. The creamy polenta and spicy green chile topped with golden brown cheese is the perfect combination. (just thinking about it makes me hungry...) Add a glass of dry white wine on the side and treat yourself!

Polenta with Green Chiles and Cheese

adapted from Bon Appetit, January 1998

Ingredients:

3 cups milk

3/4 cup yellow cornmeal

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup roasted, peeled, diced green chilies (seen here)

1 cup drained canned corn

1/8 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup whipping cream

Method:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter an 8” x 8” glass baking dish. Mix first 5 ingredients in heavy medium saucepan. Bring to simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook until polenta is tender and thickens, stirring often, about 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in Parmesan.

Pour half of polenta into prepared dish. Cover with half of chilies and half of corn. Sprinkle with half of cilantro and 1 cup Jack cheese. Drizzle with 1/4 cup cream. Spoon remaining polenta over. Cover with remaining chilies, corn, cilantro and cheese. Pour 1/4 cup cream over. Bake until polenta puffs and cheese begins to brown, about 30 minutes if chilled. Enjoy!