Fried Grit Cakes With Eggs and Tomato Gravy

This is a unique Southern version of Eggs Benedict. It is common where I live for restaurants to serve Shrimp Creole or other dishes on top of fried grit cakes instead of over rice or noodles. The recipe uses leftover grits, but you can make them just for the recipe! Feel free to liven up the grit cakes with additional seasoning! This version of eggs benedict has the eggs served over fried grit cakes with country ham and tomato gravy.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 4 1⁄2 cups grits, cooked and cooled
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 1  tablespoon pepper
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup canola oil
• 1⁄2 cup bacon grease or 1⁄4 cup  canola oil and 1/4 cup country  ham drippings
• 2  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1  cup milk
• 1 (12 ounce) can chopped tomatoes or 12  tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
•  salt
•  pepper
• 16  ounces country ham or 16  ounces Canadian bacon, cooked in a skillet
• 8  eggs, fried

Directions

1. Take the grits after they have cooled and mix in the Parmesan Cheese and garlic powder. Add some cayenne pepper if you like things hot! Spread the mixture on a large baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator to cool for 30 minutes.
2. Take a large biscuit or cookie cutter (you can use shaped ones for the holidays!) and cut out the grit mix.
3. Place 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp pepper, and 1/2 cup all purpose flour in a small bowl and mix well. Pour onto a plate and press the grit cakes into the flour to coat both sides.
4. In a skillet over medium heat add the oil to cover the bottom. When the oil is hot but not smoking, drop in the grit cakes, browning both sides. Remove and reserve.
5. Cook the country ham or Canadian bacon in another skillet, just until browned. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb the grease.
6. Leave 1/2 cup grease in the skillet for the tomato gravy. (You can use bacon grease instead). Heat the ham or bacon grease over medium high heat. Add 2 tbsp all purpose flour and stir until well mixed, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup milk and stir until it boils. Add the tomatoes and return to a boil. Add the salt and pepper to taste. If it is too thick, add some water and stir.
7. Meanwhile, fry your eggs in the skillet you cooked the grit cakes inches
8. To assemble, place two cooked grit cakes on a plate. Place a slice of ham or canadian bacon on top of each grit cake. Place a gried egg on top of the ham or canadian bacon. Ladle the tomato gravy over the top and enjoy.