Grits are not a gelatinous slab of pale goo on your plate - only the worst of southern cooks make grits which are not a tasty, basic corn dish adaptable in SO many ways.
I'm showing a spoon of freshly baked cheese and jalapeno grits. Wonderful side dish for brunch or supper. For a bit fancier presentation - bake in individual ramekins (also know as those little baking dishes).
1 cup quick cooking grits
2 cups water
2 cups milk
1 lb. Breakfast sausage – cooked and fat drained off
2 teaspoons Lawry’s season salt
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 15 ounce can cream style corn
¼ cup butter
3 beaten eggs
Preheat over to 375. Grease or spray with Pam a 13X9 inch baking dish. Bring milk, water and salt to boil and stir in grits. Cook grits over lowered flame stirring occasionally – until thickened but not stiff. Turn off heat, whisk in cheese, butter ,cooked sausage( and/or chopped jalapenos), cream style corn, then add beaten eggs. Bake in prepared baking dish for 45 minutes or until slightly puffed and browned on top.
NOTE: use “quick cooking” grits – not instant and whatever cooking directions are given on the box - use half water and half milk. For a kickier taste - add finely chopped jalapenos - I used about a tablespoon of dried jalapeno but you can add minced fresh or pickled jalapenos to your taste. Be careful - easy to get carried away and need a fire extinguisher at the table.
Try it - let me know if you like them. Highly adaptable dish - use chorizo instead of sausage or your favorite easily crumbled up meat (cooked bacon, venison sausage - almost anything goes)
We began making this dish while we owned a Bed and Breakfast in Colorado - because so many people have negative ideas of grits -we would tell them it is a ground corn dish! - worked because we had people from all over the world eat grits and love 'em.
It is comfort food on Buhlaland. I'll be back with more Christmasy cooking but have been wanting "real food" lately - sweets are coming soon!
Still cold here - ready for a burst of warm weather so we can do some fencing - goats got out last week and we've had to close off one of the pastures until the fencing can be done. Goats don't mind too much - they are getting extra rations of alfalfa to make up for less grazing area!
It is good on Buhlaland, the Lord provides such a bounty - for our eyes, stomach and heart!
From David Jeremiah “He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus” (2 Corinthians 4:14). Our future is filled with optimism and hope because we know that someday we will be like Him. We cannot lose heart and settle for a bag-lunch life when a heavenly feast beyond all imagination awaits us!"
Now THAT is a feast worth celebrating - May your Advent days build anticipation for the coming of the King.
