Broiled Polenta Sticks

Directions

1. 1
   Brush a 13- by 9-inch baking pan with water.
2. 2
   Combine 6 1/2 cups cold water with salt and cornmeal in a 5-quart heavy pot and bring to a boil over moderate heat, whisking.
3. 3
   Reduce heat to moderately low and cook, stirring constantly with a long-handled wooden spoon, until polenta begins to pull away from side of pot, 20 to 25 minutes.
4. 4
   Pour polenta into baking pan, spreading evenly with a dampened heatproof rubber spatula.
5. 5
   Cool in pan on a rack until polenta is lukewarm and set, about 20 minutes.
6. 6
   Brush a baking sheet with olive oil and invert baking pan with polenta onto sheet to unmold.
7. 7
   Preheat broiler.
8. 8
   Brush polenta with 2 teaspoons oil and sprinkle with cheese.
9. 9
   Broil about 4 inches from heat until pale golden, 5 to 7 minutes.
10. 10
    Cool 5 minutes, then cut into 3- by 1 1/2-inch sticks.