►Heat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set a wire rack on top of baking
sheet. Place bacon strips on wire rack and bake for 20 minutes or until bacon has rendered and crisped. Cool, roughly chop bacon, and set aside.
►Drizzle olive oil in a medium skillet set over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until slightly translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and stir. Add mushrooms to skillet and stir. Cook mushrooms until browned and tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
►Bring 2 cups water, chicken stock, and butter to a boil in a large saucepan set over high heat. Slowly whisk in polenta. Stirring constantly, cook polenta until it begins to thicken, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in salt and pepper. Stir in Taleggio cheese using a wooden spoon until it melts.
►Plate polenta and top with chopped bacon and mushroom mixture. Serve immediately.