This G(irl) R(aised) I(n) T(he) S(outh)...

has just learned to love grits!!

When I was growing up there was always the occasional weekend breakfast when my mom or dad would make a nice big breakfast with eggs, toast, bacon and.. ahem.. grits. I maybe only ever had a bite or two and decided I didn't like them. I felt like I was eating pig slop or something with a weird texture and bland taste that would be served in a nursing home or to homeless or poverty stricken people.

I have come to realize that in most cases all it takes to go from hating to loving a food is:

#1 - the quality and freshness of the food

#2 - the preparation

With a few small adjustments you can magically turn something from a hated food to a loved food. This is my food experience with grits. I figured I'd give it another try.

And this is what I came up with for breakfast this morning..

 

I started with organic grits, tossed about 1/4 of a cup in boiling water and stirred it for a bit on a high heat. Reduced it down to a simmer while tossing in a few diced pieces of red and yellow bell pepper and some sea salt. I highly recommend the bell pepper in the grits. It really imparts a nice additional flavor and freshness. When my grits were covered and simmering the last couple minutes I cracked an egg over another small pot of boiling water to poach my delicious egg from the farmers' market. Then, just add the grits to your bowl and add just a smidgen of butter.. and by butter I mean butta baby!!!! NOT margarine, NOT butter spread, NOT I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, NOT any other pretend butter. REAL butter. I'm sorry, was I clear?? REAL butter. You know, just made from cream and a little salt. Now, I'm not saying Paula Deen the grits. Just add a tiny bit to the top and stir in for a little buttery flavor at the end. Perhaps a sprinkle more of sea salt as well. Taste and see how you like it and add what you feel is necessary for your taste. Top it off with the poached egg and a little slice of tomato or avocado or BOTH if you're so lucky to have both handy at the same time. I just happened to luck out with my avocado ripening to perfection by this morning.

This breakfast really is very filling and kept me full till lunchtime. Not to mention, it's a simple and fairly quick and inexpensive breakfast to make. And with the leftover veggies all you need is a little bit of lettuce and you can throw the tomato, avocado and bell pepper in for a nice salad.

Give 'em a try.. you'll love them.

P.S. - please don't buy instant or the packets. try the REAL thing!! you'll be glad you did.

Posted in: breakfast,fast,simple