1. Pour 1 3/4 cups water into a medium-sized saucepan, add the salt, and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, place the polenta in a bowl with the cold water, and stir until it is completely moistened.

2. Turn heat under the boiling water down to a simmer, and spoon in the wet polenta. Stir with a wooden spoon, and cook over medium- low heat for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until very thick.

3. Turn the polenta out onto two dinner plates, spreading it into a thin circle all the way to the rims of the plates. Let it cool for at least 1 hour. It will become very firm.

4. Cut the polenta into cubes or dice, and proceed with the following recipe.

Note:
For an even crisper result, let the cut pieces "air out" for about an hour before frying.