Best 2 Creamy Polenta With Raisins And Pine Nuts Recipes

CREAMY POLENTA WITH RAISINS AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a slow steady stream. The liquid will be absorbed and the cornmeal will lock up; don't freak, just whisk through it. Lower the heat and continue to whisk until the polenta is thick and smooth, about 20 minutes.
• Add the cream and 2 tablespoons of the butter; continue to stir until incorporated and creamy, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Remove the polenta from the heat and pour it into a small baking dish.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place a small skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Swirl the pan over the heat and cook the butter until golden and nutty, about 1 minute. Add the raisins and pine nuts, tossing to coat in the brown butter. Pour the raisins and pine nuts over the top of the polenta and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Bake for 25 minutes and serve.

CREAMY SPINACH, PINE NUTS AND RAISINS WITH PASTA

Steps:

• Bring 2 quarts of water to boil in covered pot for orzo.
• Mince shallots in food processor.
• Wash and trim tough stems from spinach, and set spinach aside.
• Mix together yogurt and sour cream.
• When the water boils, cook orzo for 9 to 11 minutes.
• Heat oil in a nonstick pot large enough to hold all the ingredients but the orzo. Saute the shallots in the oil until they begin to turn golden. Stir in the pine nuts and currants, and cook over low heat until pine nuts begin to brown; set aside.
• A few minutes before the orzo is cooked, add spinach to shallot mixture; cover, and cook until spinach wilts.
• Remove from heat, and stir in the yogurt mixture; season with salt and pepper.
• Drain the orzo, and stir in the spinach mixture.