Garlic Cheese Grits

Cheri Clotiaux Stringer (originally from The Recipe Hall of Fame Cookbook II)

Yield: 6 servings

Grits, often referred to as “the potato of the South,” became a staple in the hot Southeast because they retained their keeping quality in the warm humid climate. They are made from hominy or plain corn that has been finely ground to the consistency of sand, and are typically served as a side dish with eggs and toast at breakfast, but often show up at other meals too. Garlic Cheese Grits. in particular. pop up on many Southern tables on Christmas morning, but you’ll also find them paired with shrimp for a dinner — right up a Clotiaux’s alley! (Nov 2010)

*This recipe originally called for a roll of Kraft’s Garlic Cheese, which has since been discontinued, much to the sorrow of many a Southerner, so below you’ll also find the ingredients and instructions to make four rolls.

1/2 tsp salt
2 cups water
1 cup quick grits
1 (6oz) roll Kraft garlic cheese*
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 egg yolks, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste
Dash of Tabasco sauce
Worcestershire sauce, to taste
2 egg whites, stiffly beaten

Garlic Cheese

1 1/2 lbs sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 lb of Velveeta

3 oz cream cheese, room temp

1 tsp seasoned salt

1/4 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder, or to taste

Drop of Liquid Smoke, or to taste 

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Bring salted water to a boil and stir in grits, slowly. Cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add cheese (cut into 6-8 pieces) and butter/margarine. 

Place back on medium heat and continue to cook until cheese is completely melted. Remove from heat and add egg yolks, and sat and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly, then add Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well. 

Fold in stiff egg whites and then pour into greased casserole. Bake at 350˚F for 30 minutes or until browned.

Garlic Cheese: Warm ingredients over a double boiler or low heat, until cheeses have melted and ingredients are well combined. Put into storage container to cool and set. Portion as needed.