photo by Nigel Cox

Serves 6

This chicken recipe is made with mustard which is a natural fit for chicken. It adds flavor without too many calories. The polenta makes the dish extraordinary and more unusual.

Chicken
6 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 large garlic clove, pressed
6 large chicken thighs with skin and bones (or other chicken pieces)
Olive oil

Polenta
5 cups water
1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
1-1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from about 3 large ears)
1/2 cup tofutti cream cheese

Chicken
Whisk onions, mustard, lemon juice, and garlic in medium bowl to blend. Using fingertips and leaving 1 side still attached, loosen skin on each chicken thigh. Lift skin flap on each and fold back. Spoon half of mustard seasoning atop thighs, dividing equally; spread to cover meat. Fold skin flap over to enclose seasoning and secure skin with metal pin. Sprinkle thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Turn thighs, skin side up, and spread remaining mustard seasoning over skin. Transfer to small baking sheet.

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat) or a grill pan. Brush grill rack generously with olive oil. Grill chicken until golden brown and cooked through, turning chicken occasionally and moving to cooler spot on grill if browning too quickly, 40 to 50 minutes. Alternatively, bake the chicken in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour.

Polenta
Bring 5 cups water to boil in heavy large saucepan over high heat. Gradually whisk in polenta, then 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt and sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until polenta is tender, thick, and creamy, whisking often and adjusting heat to maintain gentle simmer, 25 to 30 minutes. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring constantly, until corn is tender, about 5 minutes. Mix in tofutti cream cheese. Season polenta to taste with salt and pepper.

Spoon polenta onto serving platter or on to individual plates. Place the chicken on top and serve.