Ep 13. Polenta Party

In this episode of Everyday Italian, host Giada De Laurentiis celebrates the versatility of polenta by throwing a Polenta Party for her friends. The show begins with Giada walking through the grocery store to gather the ingredients she needs for the party, explaining the different types of polenta and cornmeal along the way.

Once back in her kitchen, Giada begins prepping for the party. She makes a simple tomato and basil salad with homemade croutons and a citrus vinaigrette, which she sets aside until later. She then moves on to preparing the polenta, starting with a traditional recipe for creamy stovetop polenta. Giada explains the technique behind making perfect polenta, offering tips on how to prevent lumps and create a smooth texture.

As the polenta cooks, Giada sets up the rest of the Polenta Bar, which includes a variety of toppings and sauces for guests to choose from. She makes a savory mushroom and herb sauce, a spicy sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade, and a classic tomato and basil sauce. She also fries up some crispy polenta cakes to serve alongside the toppings.

Once the polenta is finished cooking, Giada transfers it to a large serving dish, and her friends begin to arrive. They gather around the Polenta Bar, each creating their own unique combinations of toppings and sauces to go with the creamy polenta.

As they eat, Giada shares stories about growing up eating polenta with her Italian family, and how it was often a staple food during the winter months. Her friends also chime in with their own memories and experiences with polenta, making for a lively and engaging conversation.

For dessert, Giada serves up a decadent chocolate and polenta cake, which she explains is a traditional dessert from the Piedmont region of Italy. The cake is moist and rich, with a subtle cornmeal flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

Overall, the Polenta Party is a festive and fun way to celebrate this versatile Italian ingredient. Giada's tips and recipes make it easy for viewers to recreate the party at home, and her enthusiasm for polenta is infectious.