Polenta

Preheat the oven to 180 ºC (350 ºF). Blend the mealie meal, salt and cold water until smooth. Add a little boiling water and mix well. Place the remaining boiling water in a large saucepan and add the mealie meal mixture. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 60 minutes or until the mixture no longer clings to the side of the saucepan. Cool and add the nutmeg and egg. Mix well. Spoon the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and press flat until about 5 mm thick. Cut out rounds about 7 cm in diameter and arrange on greased baking sheets. Spread with butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with chicken breasts with cheese and basil (see recipe).
Makes 18 cakes.