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Tuscan Grits

Elenora Asbury

Ingredients

  • 1 quart whole milk (or 2%)

  • 1 cup quick-cooking grits (not instant)

  • 1 stick plus 3 T. butter

  • 1/4 tsp. white pepper or 1/2 tsp. cayenne

  • 4 ounces gruyere cheese, grated

  • 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated, plus about 2 ounces for the top

  • 1 can or jar of artichoke hearts, chopped. Use the ones packed in water, not oil.

  • 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced and chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine the milk and butter in a saucepan over low heat and bring almost to a boil, stirring occasionally. 

  2. Sprinkle the grits over the hot milk mixture and cook about 5-10 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly. Add white pepper or cayenne. 

  3. Remove from heat and stir in the Gruyere and 4 oz. Parmesan cheese. 

  4. Add one beaten egg and beat on low with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes. 

  5. Stir in artichoke hearts and prosciutto. 

  6. Combine well and pour into a greased 8x12 or 9x13 baking dish. 

  7. Top with Parmesan and bake for 30-45 minutes or until heated through and slightly golden brown on top. This may be made the night before serving and the Parmesan topping added just before baking.

Notes:

This may be made the night before serving and the Parmesan topping added just before baking.

This recipe is easily doubled and it will still fit in a rectangular baking dish that is 13x9x2.

For regular cheese grits, follow the above directions, omitting the prosciutto and artichoke hearts. When making the Tuscan Grits, I usually add white pepper and I use cayenne with the Two-Cheese Grits. Bacon may be added without the prosciutto and artichoke hearts. Don't be afraid to experiment! Other cheeses may also be substituted.

If you're near an Aldi grocery, buy its Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese, which comes in a plastic container. Also buy prosciutto there and artichoke hearts packed in water in a jar. These items are good and much less expensive than buying elsewhere. I was first underwhelmed by Aldi, but have discovered thatit's a great place to buy goat cheese, smoked salmon, capers, small multi-colored peppers, hummus, frozen salmon and specialty items that may only be in stock for a short while. They also often have good produce and fresh veggies. Aldi is owned by the same family as Trader Joe's, and like Trader Joe's, anything one doesn't like may be returned--no questions asked.

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