Polenta with Teleme Cheese

Create a smooth and tasty polenta by adding Teleme cheese. Serves 8.

INGREDIENTS

6        cups water
1 ½    cups polenta
1        teaspoon salt
4        tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
8        ounces Teleme cheese, separated into small pieces

METHOD

In a large sauce pan, bring the water to a boil, add the salt, and slowly add the polenta, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue stirring until the polenta is smooth and creamy, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Add pieces of the cheese and stir them in until they melt. Continue until all the cheese has been added and incorporated.

The polenta can be served hot as a side dish, with or without a sauce, or chilled for use later. One method is to pour the polenta into individual ramekins to obtain round polenta for another dish or to pour the polenta into a baking pan (9 by 13 inches with sides on it works well) and then, when chilled, cut into strips for other dishes and uses. It is very good fried for breakfast with a little Parmesan and a few scrambled eggs.