Stove Top Grit "casserole"

Queen Roachie's Note:

I made this up this morning to dress up quick cooking grits... I double the cook time to make them creamy, and added eggs, bacon bits, and shredded cheese while cooking. It turned out great! It's pretty flexible, I think, and you could use minced sauteed onion for a different flavor, sliced bacon fried and crumbled, different cheeses, and garnish with what you like. If I'd had them, I would have garnished with green onions as well.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4-6

Yield: 2.5 cups

• 2 cups skim milk (can use half water)
• ½ cup quick-cooking grits
• 2 eggs , beaten
• ½ cup shredded cheese (used colby jack)
• 1 -2 tablespoon bacon bit (the real ones)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼-½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• sour cream (for garnish)
• green onions (for garnish) or chives (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, slowly bring the milk just to a boil over medium heat. Whisk in the grits and reduce heat to medium low, whisking frequently to prevent lumps from forming, and simmer about 5 minutes.
2. Whisk in beaten eggs, one at a time, stirring quickly to keep the eggs from forming lumps. Stir in bacon bits (or crumbled bacon, yum!) and cook 5 more minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add cheese, stirring until it's melted in and the grits look creamy. Add onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour into serving bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, green onion, more bacon -- whatever suits your fancy.
5. Enjoy!