POLENTA FOR BREAKFAST RECIPES RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees with the rack in the center. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch pan and set aside.
• Bring 4 cups water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta and salt, and cook, stirring constantly until the polenta bubbles and pulls away from the pan, about 3 minutes. Vigorously stir in the milk, butter and cheese until smooth and creamy. (It will seem loose.)
• Spread the polenta onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Layer with meat, greens or anything else you desire. Use the back of a large spoon to create 8 small wells in the polenta. Crack the eggs inside, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how set you like your eggs. Let stand for 5 minutes; sprinkle with black pepper and basil and serve warm.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-x-13-inch baking dish.
• Cook the bacon in a deep skillet over medium heat until crispy around the edges, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the onion and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion has softened. Stir in the spinach and cook for about 30 seconds, just long enough to barely wilt the spinach. Remove the skillet from the heat.
• Beat the eggs in a large bowl and whisk in the milk, then whisk in the cornmeal and 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese. Fold in the cooked bacon and spinach mixture, along with the salt and a generous quantity of black pepper. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
• Make-Ahead Note: At this point the casserole could be covered and refrigerated overnight, then baked in the morning.
• When ready to bake, pour in the 4 cups of boiling water and whisk to combine in the dish. Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes. After 20 minutes, whisk thoroughly, moving the polenta from the edges of the pan in to the center, and moving the center of the polenta out, to ensure the polenta is baking evenly. Continue baking until the polenta looks firm and golden-brown on top, and a knife comes out clean. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan over top while the casserole is still hot.
• Serve warm, cold, or hot. The polenta will be fairly soft while hot, but will firm up as it cools. Leftovers will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.