Pork Tenderloin with Goat Cheese Polenta

Sitting at the top of Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort Hotel is the highly signature dining experience that guests rave about. It’s Chef Brian Piasecki’s California Grill, where the genius of modern California cuisine highlights locally sourced foods and an exquisite Golden State Wine List.There’s a lot to like about the California Grill, from it’s upbeat atmosphere to the sweeping panoramic views and top notch service. However the reason guests return year after year to this favorite has little to do with it’s location and everything to do with the food.

One of the foods that I’ve always had trouble with is Polenta. I wanted to like it, I tried and tried at restaurants and in family kitchens across the country, but the flavors always feel flat. That is until I tried the polenta at California Grill. This creamy mixture of polenta with flavorful goat cheese and herbs, finally made me a believer. Thanks so much to our friends at Disney Food Bog for exclusive use of their picture, check out their story on the California Grill too!

I love to bring pieces of my Walt Disney World Vacations home with me, and this recipe is a new staple in our house. I thought that you might like to give it a try as well. Give this amazing polenta a try, then leave a comment to let me know what you think about this California Grill classic!

Goat Cheese Polenta

1 cup diced white onion

1 head garlic, diced and sautéed

2 1/2 cups water

2 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 cups polenta (less if you prefer a softer texture)

1 cup Asiago cheese, grated

4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs-equal parts thyme, rosemary, sage, and chives (if using dried herbs, cut proportions in half).

Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Sauté onion in a small amount of olive oil until transparent. Stir in garlic, then add water, milk and cream and bring to a boil. Whisk in polenta slowly, stirring until thick and bubbling. Continue to stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let thicken for 5 minutes.

Pour mixture into a pan and bake at 275 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and fold in cheeses and herbs. Add salt and pepper and serve it up! This is a great side dish to serve with pork tenderloin and asparagus.

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