I know I’ve talked to you about polenta before, and specifically an exotic mushroom polenta, but before you ask me to apologize for what appears to be blatant redundancy let me just explain that this recipe, although similar, is actually quite different. You see, the last one was firm and grilled, and yes, quite tasty if I do say so myself. But this one…oh! this one is soft and creamy goodness.

If the angels above had a charming little café this would surely be a standard on their menu.

Creamy Porcini Polenta

1 cup polenta
4 cups water
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup porcini mushrooms (dried or fresh)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or until desired consistency)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
salt to taste
In a large heavy bottomed saucepan, season water with salt and bring to a boil. Quickly whisk in the polenta until fully incorporated.

Lower the heat to a simmer, add the butter and porcini and allow the polenta to cook, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes. Finish by stirring in the cream and Parmesan cheese. If necessary, add salt to taste.

Yields about 8 side servings (or 4 if you really like polenta).

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Sure, you can buy crackers, but what fun is there in that? You have to get in the car, waste expensive gas getting to the store, find parking, decide among the fifty million brands of mass-produced crackers, wait in line to buy them, then drive home. In all that time you could have easily whipped up a batch of these tasty English-style crackers.

I say English-style because they are nothing like what us Americans call a cracker. They aren’t thin and crisp, in fact, there is nary a crack in these crackers. I would actually call these savory shortbread, but Ina Garten calls them crackers, and I got the recipe from her.

Made with fresh thyme, parmesan cheese, and cracked pepper these little crackers are sure to surprise and delight.

Parmesan Thyme Crackers
Recipe from the Barefoot Contessa

1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
3 ounces grated Parmesan
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Using the paddle attachment in your food processor, mix the butter until creamy. Add the Parmesan, flour, salt, thyme and pepper and combine.

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll into a 13-inch long log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to harden. Don’t let it freeze solid or it will crumble as you try to cut.

Cut the log crosswise into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the slices on a sheet pan and bake in 350 degree preheated oven for 22 minutes.

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