Polenta Bites with Caramelized Mushrooms

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== Ingredients ==
=== Polenta ===
* 3 cups heavy cream
* 2 cups chicken stock or low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
* 1 teaspoon gray salt
* ½ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
* 1 cup polenta
* 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
* freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garnish (optional)
=== Mushrooms ===
* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* ½ lb cremini mushrooms or button mushrooms, cut into quarters
* finely ground salt
* freshly ground coarse black pepper
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or unsalted margarine or extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic
* 2 tablespoons minced shallots
* 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
* 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
* ¾ cup dry white wine
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
== Directions ==
=== Polenta ===
# In a medium, heavy pot over high heat bring cream, stock, salt and nutmeg to a boil.
# Add polenta gradually, whisking constantly.
# When mixture thickens, switch to wooden spoon and adjust the heat to maintain a bare simmer.
# Cook stirring often, until thick, smooth and creamy,about 15 minutes.
# Add Parmesan and stir.
# Keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
# If polenta gets dry as it sits, stir in ¼ cup of warm stock or cream.
=== Mushrooms ===
# In medium skillet over high heat, heat olive oil.
# When oil is hot, sprinkle in mushrooms in a single layer.
# DO NOT STIR THEM!
# Let them sizzle until they have caramelized on the bottom, 2 minutes.
# When the bottoms are caramelized toss them once and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
# Continue to cook with out stirring for 5 minutes.
# Season again, with salt and pepper to taste.
# Add butter or margarine or olive oil and add shallots; cook for 3 minutes.
# Continue to cook until garlic turns brown.
# Do not burn the garlic!
# Add the thyme and cook for 10 seconds.
# Add lemon juice and wine.
# Cook until the mushrooms are glazed with the sauce.
# Add parsley then stir and remove from heat.
# Place 1 tablespoon of warm polenta onto a spoon.
# Place ½ teaspoon of mushroom mixture on the polenta.
# Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
# Serve at once.
Category:Californian Appetizers
Category:White mushroom Recipes
Category:Cremini mushroom Recipes
Category:Italian parsley Recipes
Category:Polenta Recipes
Category:Parmesan cheese Recipes
Category:Heavy cream Recipes
Category:White wine Recipes
Category:Recipes that need photos