A Southern delicacy, or corn based cement
Grits, so simple to prepare, so easy to screw up.
If by chance you have the opportunity to take a southern journey, and feel the desire to try a little of the local fare, you are doing yourself a terrrible disservice if you order grits from some chain resturant !!!
Commecial preparation requirements are just not appropriate for good grits! The first problem is that grits are meant to have salt as a primary ingredient, without salt the corn just taste like mud.
Secondly, just like small batch bourbons, grits are not to be mass produced. More than a 4 quart pot will go "bad" before it can be served.
OK, that said, we come to the grits. If you are looking at instant grits go ahead and mix those with some water, stir well, and spackle any cracks your walls may have, because that is all they're really worth. Real grits are "Quick Grits" or stone ground grits, nothing instant, period.
Now for the hungry family of four get your pot on the stove and pour in 3 cups of cold water, add 3 spoonfuls of salt ( don't worry, the corn will absorb most of this) and 3 tablespoons of butter ( REAL butter, preferably sweet unsalted) bring this to a slow boil.
Measure out 1 heaping cup of grits, and slowly blend this into the boiling water, If you just chunk the grits in at once you will get just that, chunky grits.
Now stir once more, reduce the heat to simmer, put a lid on, and leave alone for 5 minutes. Don't peak, or your grits will be too thick.
That's it. Serve at once, with eggs, bacon or sausage.
Don't let your grits set too long tho, they will initially congeal and then form an unmoveable bond to your pot, all quite inedible, but handy for creative doorstops or small statuary.
Suggested additions;
NEVER PUT SUGAR IN GRITS !!!!!! They are not a cereal, think of them as a starch side dish such as cream potatoes or rice pilof.
Garlic is a nice flavor inhancement, particularly served with steamed shrimp and brown shrimp gravy.
Cheddar cheese blends well too, even a pepper jack.
Following these simple directions will provide you with a truer grit experience, like momma used to make....
Now, git in that kitchen and rattle some pots and pans.