This is a lovely and unusual way to prepare polenta. See below for a vegetarian version. 1-1/4 c coarse polenta (cornmeal) 4 c water 1 tsp salt 3 TB unsalted butter 12 oz sweet or hot Italian sausage Combine the polenta, water, and salt in a 2-3 quart microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for a total of about 8-10 minutes, stirring a couple of times. Stir in the butter. Meanwhile slice or crumble the sausage and saute until cooked thru. Drain off the fat, mix the sausage with the polenta, and turn into a greased or buttered loaf pan. Smooth out the top, let cool, then cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours. To serve, slice the solidified polenta into slices about 1 inch thick then saute carefully in a nonstick pan, using some butter or olive oil, until browned on both sides. I like to serve this with a simple tomato sauce. Vegetarian variation: Instead of sausage, use a combination of onion, zucchini, and mushrooms.