POLENTA HORS D'OEUVRES WITH SAUSAGE & BASIL

• For Polenta, bring water, Olive Oil and salt to a boil over high heat in 4-quart saucepot. Remove from heat and stir in polenta with a wooden spoon. Cook over medium heat , stirring constantly, 5 minutes. Immediately spread into two lightly greased half sheet pans (18 x 12-inches). Let cool completely. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut into 48 rounds per sheet pan (6 across and 8 down). Place on clean sheet pan. Store covered with plastic wrap until ready to assemble.
• Meanwhile, for Sausage mixture, heat 1 tablespoon Olive Oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and cook onion and sausage, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes or until sausage is brown. Stir in Sauce and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until sausage is done.
• To assemble, uncover polenta rounds; brush with additional Olive Oil and season lightly with additional salt. Broil about 7 minutes or until heated through and a light crust forms. Immediately top each round with 1 heaping teaspoon sausage mixture. Sprinkle, if desired, with grated parmesan cheese and garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil.

Cost per recipe*: $9.50.

Cost per hors d'oeuver*: $0.10.

*Based on average retail prices at national supermarkets.