Can you make cornmeal?

[pippa]

I asked this on Recipe Community, but got no replies so far.  Just wondering if I can make cornmeal (polenta) in the TMX.  I want to make cornchips but don't have the polenta.  I could go and buy some, but why bother if I can just make it.  Corn is much cheaper than polenta!!!

[Meagan]

http://fxcuisine.com/default.asp?Display=89
Here is a link. I guess there is only one way to see if it works and that is to try it. You will probably need to wear ear muffs lol

[pippa]

Thanks Meagan - you are a fountain of information.  I did google it but obviously didn't have the right keywords or look through enough stuff.  Thanks again, will give it a go and see what happens

[Nay-nay]

I have made it and for that reason too - cornchips. 

[faffa_70]

think it would sound a lot like milling chickpeas for besan flour - your neighbours think you are starting a war 

[Nay-nay]

Yeah it is really loud! I think that is why we mill the chickpeas at home for chickpea soup in the varoma demo. 
My son also whizzes up the corn for his chicky's - so they can eat it. 

[quirkycooking]

I always buy maize grain in bulk with all my other grains - it's great being able to grind your own, because you can get it to the texture you want, depending what you're making.  It is loud, but only takes a few seconds to get quieter. 

[andiesenji]

I have a Nutrimill for grinding dry grains but I have used my Thermomix for grinding lime-soaked maize for masa - to make tamales and even to make tortillas. 
I like using fresh masa, instead of the dry stuff.

The Thermomix does not do as good a job as a wet stone grinder but it produces an adequate product.

The ground "wet" masa can also be cooked to make  polenta or similar result. 
The thing with using the maize soaked in lime water is that the hard hulls separate from the kernel and the maize is easier to digest. 

[pippa]

Given that corn chips are really cheap and plain ones only have corn, vegetable oil and salt in them, why would I make my own??  Although the fact that it uses palm oil is mostly good enough for me, but time often wins out with three little kids in the house.  What do others think?

[quirkycooking]

I must admit, I've only made corn chips a few times, mostly with leftover corn tortillas I've made.  It's more for the cornbread that I use the maize grain.