Polenta possibilities...

Polenta is my go to dish at the moment instead of mashed potato and it is delicious...well I like it anyway!

Polenta

150g (5 1/2 oz) polenta (the grain not the solid stuff)
1 litre (2 pints) hot water
Teaspoon dried thyme or a handful of fresh (sage or mint also work well)
Tablespoon olive oil

Pour 1 litre of boiling water from the kettle into a saucepan over a medium heat.  Gradually tip the polenta into the water stirring all the time.

Add in the herbs.

Keep stirring as the polenta heats through, it will become nice and thick - this will only take a couple of minutes.

Then let it simmer on a low heat for about five minutes stirring every so often, then add in the olive oil, stir and serve.

You can also add in a dash of lemon juice if you wish.

Use a vegetable or chicken stock instead of the hot water for extra flavour or add in butter instead of olive oil.  Throw in a handful of cheese to make it more creamy.

Once the polenta is cold it sets firm so if you have any left overs you can cut it into slices and warm through in the oven or pan fry.

Add an egg and a handful of cheese to the above recipe, spread it onto a baking sheet in a circle and you also have a pizza base, add your toppings and bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes.