Gran Polenta express is quick cooking, ready in only 5 minutes and made from first rate yellow corn flour for Polenta. Polenta should be made in a paiolo, the unlined copper pan that is just right for the purpose. With one hand a thin stream of ground maize is poured into salted boiling water, while the other hand the maize is stirred rapidly into the water with a long wooden stick or spoon to prevent lumps from forming. When all the maize flour has been added, the mixture must continue to be stirred constantly for at least 45 minutes. The coarser the flour, the longer the cooking. Polenta is extremely versatile, as it becomes complementary to the flavor of the dish it accompanies. The afficionados like polenta dressed only with butter and gorgonzola, crescenza, or other stracchino cheeses. Those less keen on the basic flavor of polenta prefer it as an accompaniment to rich stews of meat or fish. Polenta is excellent with stewed cuttlefish, for instance, or with jugged hare or stewed venison. Polenta can be made in advance and, when cold, baked in layered slices with meat sauce, cheeses, bechamel, etc. Sliced polenta is also broiled, grilled, or fried and served as an accompaniment to meat and game, or used as a base for bruschetta.