Polentina With Bananas and Maple Syrup

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup polenta or coarsely ground yellow cornmeal
• 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1/2 cup maple syrup, warmed
• melted butter (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Over medium heat, in a large, heavy saucepan, combine 1 2/3 cups of the water and milk along with the sugar and salt; bring to a boil.

2. 2

   Reduce the heat and when the liquid is barely simmering; whisk, in the same circular motion, polenta in a slow, steady stream until all the grains have been absorbed and the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to very low and with a wooden spoon stir thoroughly every 1 to 2 minutes or until the polentina is loose and creamy, about 10 to 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Add additional water and milk as necessry; the mixture should be very liquid.

5. 5

   Ladle into individual bowls, top with the sliced bananas and drizzle with the warmed syrup.

6. 6

   Drizzle with melted butter if desired.