A bowl of cheese grits is comfort at its heart. Dipping your spoon into the bowl is like diving under the covers on a chilly morning.
Ingredients:
4 cups Water
½ tsp Salt
1 cup Grits (make sure to use traditional or regular grits, not instant)
2 cups Shredded Cheese
Additional salt & pepper to taste
⅛ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
1 Tbsp Butter (optional)
Method:
Bring the water and salt to a boil.
Slowly add the grits, constantly stirring. Reduce the heat a bit so they are slightly bubbling. Continue to stir and cook for 10 minutes.
Turn off the heat and add the shredded cheese and optional butter. Season to taste.
Serve warm and steamy.
Variations:
Use chicken or vegetable stock to enhance the flavor. Reserve the 1/2 tsp of salt until after cooked because how much you use will depend on how salty the stock is.
Add ½ cup milk at the end to make super creamy cheese grits.
Add sauteed veggies. Asparagus or peas are a favorite in our house.
Serve over a bed of greens. The greens will wilt and add another texture and taste.
Use different types of cheeses to change the flavor.
Add garlic powder or other herbs.
Use Monterey jack cheese and jalapenos to spicy things up.
Adding fresh diced tomatoes, not that much, maybe 1/2 cup, will add freshness.
Toppings:
Poached egg and crumbled bacon
Fresh greens
Tomato sauce
Shrimp
Shredded pork
