Cinnamon Popovers

Directions

1. 1
   IN A BLENDER, combine the eggs, flour, polenta, salt, pepper, and cinnamon and blend briefly.
2. 2
   Slowly add the milk and blend until completely smooth.
3. 3
   Cover the blender and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
4. 4
   PLACE 1/2 TEASPOON of the melted butter in the bottom of each cup of a 12-cup nonstick muffin or popover pan.
5. 5
   If you are not using a nonstick pan, spray or brush the muffin cups with vegetable oil before adding the butter.
6. 6
   Place the pan in a cold oven and heat it to 400F.
7. 7
   WHEN THE FAT IS VERY HOT (take care that the butter doesnt brown), return the blender to its base and blend again briefly.
8. 8
   Pour an equal amount of the batter into each cup, filling each one halfway.
9. 9
   BAKE FOR 30 TO 35 MINUTES, or until the popovers are well risen and golden.
10. 10
    Do not open the oven door during the first so minutes of the cooking time or the popovers may fall.
11. 11
    SERVE HOT, accompanied by butter and preserves, if desired, or apple compote, if desired.
12. 12
    For the Compote:
13. 13
    Peel and core the apples and cut them into 1/2-inch chunks.
14. 14
    In a medium saucepan, combine the apples with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and enough apple juice to barely cover them.
15. 15
    Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
16. 16
    Add sugar to taste, if desired, and stir over the heat until the sugar has dissolved.
17. 17
    Serve warm.