Local Republic’s Shrimp and “Grits”

Let me share the simplest, best way to fix cornmeal polenta, courtesy of Scott Simon chef at Local Republic in Lawrenceville. He uses cooked cornmeal as a substitute for grits in what is otherwise a pretty traditional shrimp and grits recipe. I’ve used this idea now a half dozen times as a bed for fresh fish (while at the beach), sautéed vegetables, you name it. Love it.

After you try this, if you like the texture of the cooked cornmeal, remember the proportion of 4 cups liquid to 1 1/4 cups cornmeal. And of course, if you want yours thicker or thinner, just adjust the amount of liquid. Now you can make this any time you need a quick carb. Really – a side dish in 3 minutes? What’s not to love?

Sweet Cornbread for Thanksgiving

This makes excellent cornbread to cube up for dressing. Just bake it tonight, or early tomorrow, let it cool and then cut into cubes. You can toast the cubes in the oven to dry them out a little so they’re maintain their integrity in your dressing. Or if you prefer the cornbread to break down and meld with the other ingredients, then just use it right out of the oven. It’s really, really sweet though. That works great if you’re making a sausage dressing with lots of savory ingredients, but feel free to cut down on the sugar if you like.

Of course, you could just serve it as cornbread. What an idea!