PRIORITY: High | CATEGORY: Pantry staples
Cornmeal, grits (white coarse-ground corn), and polenta (yellow coarse-ground corn) make amazing accompaniments to any meal. Pair cornbread with beans; serve braised beef or pork over polenta. For breakfast, stir up some cheesy grits.
SHELF LIFE: 30 years
COST: $ (about $80 for a year’s supply for a family of 4)
WHERE TO BUY: Sam’s Club, Costco, or online
SAMPLE PRICING: Sam’s Club $41 for 38 lbs.
HOW TO STORE: In #10 cans with an oxygen absorber
If you can’t buy it all at once, track your progress below.
CORNMEAL
SERVING SIZE: 1/2 cup; see note
SEASON: anytime
GRITS
SERVING SIZE: 1/2 cup; see note
SEASON: anytime
POLENTA
SERVING SIZE: 1/2 cup; see note
SEASON: anytime
A note on serving size: 1/2 cup of cooked cornmeal, grits, or polenta is a serving. 1/2 cup of uncooked cornmeal, grits, or polenta will yield 4 cups of cooked grains.
What to do with cornmeal, polenta, and grits
• Make cornbread: Combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 egg, 1 cup milk and 1 teaspoon salt. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
• Make grits: Combine 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add 1 cup of grits, 1-1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper and stir well. Cook, stirring frequently for about 20 minutes. Finish with cheese and butter if desired.
• Make polenta: Add 1/2 cup of polenta to 3 cups of boiling, salted water. Cook and stir until cooked through and creamy, about 15 minutes. Add butter and cheese as desired.
Done