Leftovers are the great unsung hero of cooking. Why else would we have Tupperware? What would do with all the leftover turkey after Thanksgiving?Leftovers are usually just a reheated version of the first dish, but this week I present another way of looking at them.A lot of really basic foods can be transformed into something else the second time you make them.Leftover rice? Cook up a batch of rice pudding. Leftover grilled vegetables? Throw them in a quiche.One of the most versatile foods to use in lots of different ways is polenta.When polenta is usually made the first time and served hot, it takes on a slightly liquid texture. After it cools, however, it becomes more firm and can be used in a multitude of different ways.This week I have a very basic recipe for polenta, as well as what you can do with it the next day. As always, have fun with it and experiment. A block of polenta can be sliced and then grilled or sautéed until brown, or used in a kind of layered dish topped with spinach, mushrooms and cheese and then broiled.You could also cut it into strips and bake them with or without cheese on top. Or you could cube it and bake it to make croutons to add to a salad.Before the recipes, I want to add a disclaimer. Polenta can be a very vicious thing to cook, and it doesn’t go down without a fight. While you are cooking it, it will bubble up and spit hot pieces of corn at you. Sort of like hot lava. But please don’t let this scare you off, just be aware of it, and try to use a spoon with a long handle for stirring.basic polentaINGREDIENTS:6 cups water1 tsp salt2 cups polenta mealButter and pepper to tasteDIRECTIONS1. Bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium sized pot.2. Add polenta in a slow and steady stream with one hand while stirring the pot with the other hand. This will prevent lumps from forming.3. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring fairly constantly, to prevent lumps and sticking.4. Cook until polenta has absorbed all the water, thickened and tastes done. This should take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.5. Stir in butter galore, the more the better, and serve.