Okay, even as I typed the words Pumpkin Cheddar Grits in the previous post teaser, I knew I'd probably end up back here one more time to post the recipe. Sure enough, mere hours after yesterday's post I had emails asking for it! Not all food from my childhood has gone the way of ambrosia salad and Vienna sausages. I've hung on to a few of the country dishes I love, and grits is one of them.
I'm not ashamed to say it loud and proud,
I LOVE ME SOME GRITS!!!
It's not technically healthy and it's not organic but it's waaaay yummy. And sure, you can use organic grits & pumpkin puree and organic butter & cheese, but last time I checked Horizon wasn't making evaporated milk so what the hell.
*2011 UPDATE: Great News! Organic Valley, and several others, now make Organic Evaporated Milk! Still doesn't make this health food but at least you can enjoy your rich, creamy pumpkin cheddar grits without hormones & rSBT!
Pumpkin Cheddar Grits
It's a great side dish with meat but it's also a nice warm breakfast. For Christmas morning we're doing it with country sausage, a hearty raisin bread and an assortment of fancy spreads.
I use a medium slow cooker (3-4 Qt). Recipe serves 4--I'll be doubling.
2/3 cup coarse, stone-ground grits
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup evaporated milk
1 tsp salt
1 cup mashed cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree
a few grinds or pinches of black pepper
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
IMPORTANT NOTE: As I am with social issues, I take a very liberal stance with pumpkin and cheese.
1. Put grits in a bowl of cold water in a bowl so the husks will rise to the top. Skim them off and discard. Then drain with a mesh strainer.
2. Put the grits, 1 1/2 cups of water, evaporated milk, and the salt in the Crockpot and stir. Then add the pumpkin and pepper. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or on LOW for 8 hours, until it's thick and creamy.
3. Stir in the butter and cheese, cover. Turn off the cooker and let it sit for about 10 minutes until everything is melting in. Serve hot & enjoy.
See you on the other side...