basil butter polenta bites w/ fresh chopped tomatoes

every so often we find ourselves in a pinch to put together something quick to bring to a party or gathering of some sort, and with the holidays right around the corner, this is surely to be a frequent occurrence.

RWV to the rescue....these little ditties are a sure-fire hit especially since they take less time to make than you can say "basil butter polenta bites w/ fresh chopped tomatoes"

basil butter polenta bites w/ fresh chopped tomatoes

serves 10-15

3 cups no-chicken broth

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup fresh chopped basil (yield 1 tbsp for garnish)

4 roma tomatoes

3 tbsp earth balance

1 tsp olive oil

salt and pepper

in a medium bowl combine the fresh basil with the earth balance. let sit to room temp.

in a medium pot, bring broth to boil.

reduce heat to medium; gradually whisk in cornmeal.

cook until mixture is thickened, stirring constantly.

remove from heat and season with salt.

set aside for 5-10 minutes.

slice your tomatoes into ¼ inch bites.

form small bite sized patties with the palm of your hand.

bring to medium-high heat a skillet. add a little of your basil/butter mixture. fry up 2-4 patties until golden brown on each side. remove and let drain. continue to add the basil/butter and the patties until all are cooked.

top each with the sliced tomato and a fresh basil garnish, salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

serve with a nice chianti.

enjoy!