Baked Garlic Cheese Grits
from Recipes from The Olde Pink House

See Difference Between Polenta, Grits, and Cornmeal for information about grits.

1/3 cup grits
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion salt
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 cup half-n-half cream
2 Tbsp. butter
4 eggs, separated
Dash of Tabasco
Paprika
1/2 cup chopped green onions for garnish

Place the grits in a saucepan with the water, garlic powder, onion salt and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Preheat oven to 325° F. Combined the grated cheese and half-n-half in a separate saucepan and stir over low heat until the cheese melts. Add to the grits. Add the butter and stir. Cool slightly.

Beat the egg yolks and gradually stir into mixture, taking care that the yolks do not cook. Beat the whites until foamy and stir into the grits. Add a dash of Tabasco and beat lightly.

Pour the mixture into an ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish or loaf pan and bake at 325° for one hour, or until firm. Sprinkle with the paprika and chopped green onions and serve immediately. The grits make an excellent dish for a buffet.

Serves 6 - 8