Cheddar Polenta Biscuits With Ham Salad Recipes

CREAMY CHEDDAR POLENTA WITH FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• Bring 2 cups of water, the milk and a very large pinch of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce the heat so the liquid is at a low simmer, and add the cornmeal in a slow and steady stream, constantly whisking to prevent lumps. Cook the polenta at a low simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes; if the mixture gets too thick, add water 1/2 cup at a time.
• Remove from the heat, stir in the butter and olive oil and then stir in the Cheddar. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Serve immediately in mini cups, topped with chopped herbs

HAM AND SHARP CHEDDAR BISCUITS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 500°F
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine onion and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook until tender but not browned, about 5 minutes; cool.
• In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; add butter and mix with your fingers until mealy in texture. Add the onions, buttermilk, ham and cheese, stirring in with a spatula until just incorporated, but it still should be a bit loose.
• Scoop out the batter with a large spoon to form 12 biscuits and lightly shape them with floured hands.
• Arrange close together on the baking sheet for soft biscuits, or spread them apart for crisper biscuits.
• Brush with hot melted butter.
• Bake 5 minutes then reduce temperature to 450F and bake a further 15 minutes or until deep golden brown.
• Cool in pan for several minutes then invert onto kitchen towel.
• Turn right side up and serve hot.

CHEESY POLENTA AND HAM GRATIN

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Melt butter in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until softened but not browned, stirring frequently.
• Add whipping cream and Parmesan cheese; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 2 to 4 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
• Arrange polenta slices, overlapping and layering if necessary, in bottom of sprayed baking dish. Top with ham and Swiss cheese. Pour sauce over top.
• Bake at 425°F. for 20 to 25 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and cheese is lightly browned. Sprinkle with parsley.

PARMESAN POLENTA WITH HAM

Steps:

• Combine milk, 5 tablespoons butter, salt, pepper and nutmeg in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat. Gradually whisked in cornmeal. Stir until mixture is very thick and beginning to pull away from sides of pan, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix in ham, 3/4 cup cheese and egg. Transfer polenta to 8 x 8 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cheese. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover; refrigerate.)
• Preheat oven to 450°F. Bake polenta uncovered until heated through and beginning to brown on top, about 30 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.