Spicy Polenta Crackers Recipes

HEALTHY SEED AND OAT CRACKERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line an 18-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
• Combine the oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, poppy seeds and 2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl and stir to combine with a rubber spatula. Add the olive oil, maple syrup and hot water and stir to incorporate. Allow the mixture to rest for 15 minutes.
• Stir the mixture to ensure any residual liquid on the bottom is evenly dispersed and then pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Place a second piece of parchment on top and then use the palms of your hands to press and spread the mixture into an even layer (1/8 to 1/4 inch thick), making sure to spread all the way to edges of the pan (gently running a small offset spatula over the parchment also helps to spread the mixture evenly). Remove the top piece of parchment and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Bake until the edges are slightly golden brown and beginning to pull away from the sides of the baking sheet, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cut into 24 pieces (each 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches) using a pizza cutter or sharp knife (see Cook's Note). Return the crackers to the oven and continue to bake until light golden brown and crisp, about 45 minutes. Allow the crackers to cool completely before serving. Store the crackers for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

SPICY POLENTA CAKES

Steps:

• Combine the milk, salt and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and slowly whisk in the polenta. Cook, whisking constantly, until the polenta tightens and there are no lumps, about 4 minutes. Stir in the queso blanco, butter, cilantro, pepper and jalapeno. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Generously butter a 9-by-9-inch baking pan. Pour the polenta into the pan and set aside to cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, until firm.
• Preheat a griddle pan over medium heat. Invert the polenta onto a clean cutting board and slice it into nine 3-inch squares. Brush the squares on both sides with the olive oil, then griddle them until golden brown and warmed through, about 3 minutes per side. While warm, drizzle the polenta cakes with the honey and squeeze lime juice over the top. Serve.

POLENTA CRACKERS WITH ROASTED WILD MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• For the crackers: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine the flour, cornmeal, Parmesan, tarragon, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the butter and pulse until incorporated. Add the heavy cream and process until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
• Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper and place the dough on top. Shape the dough into a rectangle with your hands, then lightly flour the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin until it is a little less than 1/4 inch thick (about a 15-by-12-inch rectangle). Poke all over with a fork. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely on a rack.
• For the mushrooms: Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Toss the mushrooms with the oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper on the prepared baking sheet. Roast, stirring once or twice, until tender and well browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, tarragon and a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and top with the tarragon-lemon juice mixture.
• Serve the crackers with the mushrooms on the side for topping.

GRILLED POLENTA CRACKERS WITH ROASTED PEPPER SALSA

Steps:

• Preheat grill pan to high.
• Slice polenta and brush lightly with oil. Grill 2 or 3 minutes on each side to score the cakes and warm them.
• Place peppers, olives, capers, parsley, onion, garlic and red pepper flakes in processor and pulse the power to chop salsa. Top polenta with spoonfuls of salsa and serve.

SPICY OYSTER CRACKERS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
• Combine spices together with oil and melted butter. Place crackers on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Pour spice mixture on top. Mix until well coated.
• Bake for 25 minutes, move crackers around gently with a spatula halfway through.
• Let cool on a wire rack. When completely cool, store in an airtight container.

SPICY POLENTA

Steps:

• In 3-quart saucepan, heat broth, milk, cumin, salt and red pepper to boiling. Slowly pour grits into boiling broth mixture, stirring vigorously with wire whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
• Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Stir in cheese.