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GRITS

1 c. grits, preferably not quick or instant

4 c. liquid (any mixture of milk, cream, water, or stock)

3 tablespoons butter, cut into chunks

salt and pepper, to taste

chopped scallions, grated cheese, caramelized onions, parsley, cilantro, etc. (optional)

  1. 1.Bring liquid to a boil in a medium sauce pan.

  2. 2.With liquid boiling, slowly pour grits into pan whisking to keep lumps at bay.

  3. 3.Lower heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until grits taste “done” (they should have a tiny bit of crunch)

  4. 4.Add butter and stir until incorporated.

  5. 5.Season with salt and pepper and any additional ingredients you fancy.

  6. 6.Serve.


serves 4

Ingredients

METHOD

Grits.....Some people love them, some hate them with equal passion.  I fall into the former camp.  They are, like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, an über-comfort food.  And they are also inexpensive (about $2 a pound at Whole Foods), simple to prepare, and wonderfully adaptable.  Use more cooking liquid and you’ll have soupier grits, great for using as a bed for roasted duck or steak.  Use less, level and cool on a baking sheet, cut with a cookie cutter or knife and you’ve got little rounds (or squares or diamonds) upon which to serve a grilled shrimp or a spoonful of pesto as an appetizer.  Add maple syrup or honey and you’ve got a sweet treat for breakfast.  Add cheese and eggs and scallions and bake it in the oven and you’ll have a grits gratin that’s bubbly and creamy and cheesy.  So, there it is--I love grits.

VARIATIONS

Thinner Grits:   Increase the amount of liquid to 5 cups.


Grit cakes: When grits are cooked, spread out in an even layer on a baking sheet to cool.  Cut with a knife or cookie cutter into desired shape and bake in oven (or fry in a pan) until golden brown.  Top with chicken salad, grilled shrimp, pesto, etc.


Grits Gratin: Add one or two eggs, to the slightly cooled, cooked grits along with 1 cup of shredded cheese, ½ cup scallions, and ½ cup cream or milk.  Pour into casserole or baking pan and cook in a 350° oven until the top is golden and set.