polenta

I love ordering dishes that are served with polenta when I'm dining at Italian restaurants. However, the one time I tried to make polenta at home several years ago, it ended up a mushy flavorless disaster. Since then, I've avoided cooking polenta.

But, I hate limiting myself in the kitchen, so recently I decided to get over my fear. I looked to Alton Brown for guidance, and it turns out he has an easy, almost foolproof recipe that doesn't require standing over the stove for an hour. The polenta is baked in the oven and seasoned with sautéed red onions and parmesan cheese.

It's a great side dish to hearty Winter meats, like short ribs, or a wonderful appetizer canvas once cooled and grilled. To check out the recipe that has restored my polenta confidence, read more

While seafood gumbo is a classic dish native to New Orleans, to celebrate Fat Tuesday tonight, why not make another favorite with origins in the South? The traditional shrimp and grits gets a quick and modern makeover in this wonderful recipe. Instant polenta replaces the grits, and the addition of pancetta adds a porky goodness to the flavorful sauce. To kick start your Mardi Gras festivities, make this meal now.

Last week I made a really yummy breakfast quinoa using a recipe from FitSugar reader leens824. Not only was it delicious, it reminded me that when it comes to warm, hearty breakfasts and whole grains, oatmeal isn't the only option. Check out some of the things I do at home to incorporate different whole grains into my breakfast.

• Brown rice. I love using leftover brown rice to make a bowl of warm porridge in the morning. I add a decent amount of lowfat milk to brown rice and cook that over low heat for about 20 minutes. When it's almost done, I add a touch of honey, cinnamon, raisins, and fruit.
• Whole grain, stone ground polenta. A fine grain polenta makes a great breakfast — it reminds me of a better version of Cream of Wheat. I make a really creamy polenta and then add milk, brown sugar, and crushed almonds to the mix. Delicious!
• Amaranth. If you're not a fan of quinoa but want a good source of protein, try amaranth. It tastes great warmed with maple syrup, pumpkin puree, raisins, and a little rice milk.
• Farro. Instead of using water to cook the farro, substitute lowfat coconut milk. Once a majority of the coconut milk is absorbed, add a pinch of salt and fresh mango.

What I hope you're getting from this is that almost any whole grain makes a great hot bowl of cereal in the morning. Just prepare the grain the way you normally would and then add all the fixings, much like you do with oatmeal. Or as I do in the case of farro, cook the grain in lowfat coconut or regular milk to give it an added dimension of flavor. While all whole grains are good sources of fiber, vitamin E, iron, manganese, and zinc, they are not created equally. Some have higher levels of protein — like amaranth and quinoa — but others are antioxidant powerhouses, like barley. Start experimenting with your morning cereal and see which one works best for you!

I love recipes like this lasagna that are fresh new takes on comforting classics. Traditionally lasagna is made with noodles and meat sauce, but this modern variation uses polenta and a mushroom seitan sauce. The update saves time because you don't have to fuss with boiling pasta. It also is meat-free and vegetarian-friendly. Don't be intimidated by the cheese sauce; it's a straightforward béchamel that's simple to put together.

For the recipe to this hearty casserole, please read more

Polenta is a versatile Italian ingredient that should be one of your pantry staples. Why? Because it can be used in tons of different applications. Take this recipe for example: the instant polenta makes a crisp and filling stand-in for classic pizza dough. Topped with store-bought marinara, chunks of goat cheese, and a layer of veggies, this pizza is healthful and satisfying. If your family doesn't like zucchini and red peppers, simply substitute other vegetables.

The recipe calls for a cast-iron skillet, but the pizza can be made in any heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pan. Check out the technique after the jump.

I just found the perfect use for my leftover cranberry sauce and boneless pork chops: this balanced dinner of sautéed pork cutlets.

I'll pan-fry some pork chops, then deglaze the pan with a combination of cranberries and port wine, for a sauce that's both sweet and tart.

The result? A mouthwatering meal that's full of flavor, not fat. Want to see the recipe? Then read more.

With a little leftover ground lamb and even less time, you can make a layered lamb and polenta dish that rivals anything you could order at a restaurant.

The key to speedy success is to take smart shortcuts. Use already-stewed tomatoes, grated mozzarella, and ready-made polenta for easy layering.

Employ the oven for a final browning touch, and you'll have a dinner that can't be beat on the busiest night of the week. To see the recipe, keep reading.