Grits have been around since the Native Americans and refers to a ground corn-type food. The word is derived from the Old English word "grytt". There's your history lesson for today. I am choosing not to bore you with the other details, but if you want to know "all things grits", please check out the article on Wikipedia.
Here's another clip for your viewing pleasure.
Now, here's what you need to know. Self-respecting "Southernuhs" do use quick grits (not to be confused with instant microwaveable grits). Otherwise, not only would we be barefoot AND pregnant, we would be spending most of the day just trying to get grits ready for breakfast!
If you want smooth, creamy grits, mix some milk in with your water and let them cook on low heat for about 20 to 30 minutes, maybe longer, stirring continuously. If you let them sit without stirring regularly, they will pop all over the place. Sometimes the ratio of water to grits is not exactly precise on the box directions, so you will need to add more water to make them a little creamier as they cook -- they thicken quickly.
Grits are much like rice in that they do not have a flavor. They take on whatever flavor you decide to give them. If you add bacon or ham, they take on the flavor of the meat. If you add garlic or another spice, they will taste like the spice. There are so many good recipes using grits. Be sure to check out some of them on The Kitchen.
In the movie, My Cousin Vinny, Vinny mentions "al dente" grits. There is NO SUCH THING. Grits have to be cooked completely or you will paste your mouth shut and grits are horrible if they are undercooked. While I know that you can find grits everywhere in the south, I don't think they are readily available up north. While living in Texas, I had a hard time finding brand varieties of grits, so we would stock up and buy several boxes (usually about 9 or 10) when we would come back home to Alabama to visit. They store well in the fridge.
While I like my grits plain, with a little salt, the hubby does like cheese with his grits. We both love Shrimp and Grits...what self-respecting, grit-eating southerner doesn't??!! So, here's the million dollar question: how do you like your grits prepared and served? Notice, I didn't say IF you eat grits...how could you not??!! :-)
Well, since I'm not a true southerner (heart of Ohio), but love grit's.I like shrimp and grit's and gasp... grit's with real butter and a little sugar. Love your blog, you have me in tear's laughing sometime's. Keep on keeping on. Virtual hug, TT
ReplyDeleteWe will let you be an honorary southerner since you love grits...that is a requirement...LOL. I know several people who put sugar on them, but I never have...just salt for me. Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day! Hugs!!
DeleteI made my first sausage, eggs, cheese, spinach and grits casserole this past weekend. The grits were cooked in chicken broth and heavy cream... add in all the other stuff and bake...the family liked it. Grits are a staple at this house. Usually adding cheese and butter.. yum!
ReplyDeleteSherry, my hubby would love that recipe. Will you send it to me? They are a staple here also...we are never without them! Have a great day!!
DeleteGrit-related trivia of the day: Joe Pesci and Maury Chaykin (the self-respectin' Southernuh in My Cousin Vinny) were born about 17 miles away from each other, Newark and Brooklyn respectively. Polly Holliday is from Jasper, Alabama - so she must be well acquainted with grits (and possum).
ReplyDeletePossum??? You are going to run people away from my blog and give southerners a bad name. We do NOT eat possum......much.
DeleteI have never had grits. Ever! I have never even seen them in the supermarket or on any store shelf. Of course, I have seen Alice and My Cousin Vinny! Perhaps I need to get south a little more often!
ReplyDeleteOkay girl, I need to ship you some grits! :-) I sent some to a friend in New York quite a few years ago as part of a care package after September 11th. He worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and lost all of his co-workers and friends. He loved them and when he visited our offices, I would have boxes to send back with him. Grits are truly a staple here in the south!
DeleteI'm one of those northerners who has never tried grits. But after reading your post maybe I'll have to give them a try next time we travel south.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
You might be disappointed if you eat just plain grits as a first try. I would definitely find a good recipe and go that route. After you’ve had them in a recipe, then give them a try alone. :-)
DeleteI grew up in California, but my grandma Bonnie (real name Juanita) was a born and bred Texan, so we had them at her house growing up. I didn't have them again until I went to live in Virginia for about 5 years. I like them with cheese :)
ReplyDeleteDon't they have them at Cracker Barrel??
xo,
rue
Yes, they do serve them at Cracker Barrel and I believe they sell Stone Ground Grits which are so awesome!! BUT, I don't know if they serve and sell them at all Cracker Barrel restaurants. Hugs!!
DeleteI think I have only had grits once before-I grew up and live in CA and they are not as big here. I would love to eat them more!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised they have them at all in California. I always worry when we travel that if I get a craving for them, I won't be able to find them...LOL. They have no cholesterol, which makes them a really good staple.
DeleteI'm afraid I don't eat Grits in Ireland. Actually, I don't believe I have ever had grits. Is it like polenta?? It doesn't look like it but it kinda sounds like it!?
ReplyDeleteGrits are very similar to polenta. Do they have grits in Ireland? I’ve never thought about them in relation to other countries.
DeleteBenita, if you find a minute , are there ever spare minute's left to be found ... ??? Lol would you please email me , I have a girly girl question. You look like your in your 30's , but you must be a little closer to the 50 is the new 40 , NOT, age. Thank's sweetie, TT
ReplyDeletethompsontammy6463@gmail .com
You are so sweet, but I'm old as dirt...will be 54 in September! :-) Emailing you now!
DeleteI like my grits in the box and in the grocery store and high up on the shelf. If I kissed your grits I would break out in horrible hives - I am highly allergic to corn. When I was growing up, grits were a part of every meal. I told my mother they made me sick, but she made me sit at the table until I ate them. I developed my own little way - I let them get cold and hard, cut them into little pieces and swallowed them down like pills with water!
ReplyDeleteBless your heart…that is horrible!!! YUCK at having to eat them hard like that..horrible! My mother did me that way with fried green tomatoes. But I showed her, I threw up all over the table after about 3 bites! She never made me eat anything else again…LOL
DeleteOh my goodness..LOL! Now that is one thing I haven't tried yet, is Fried Green Tomatoes, *tomatoes yuck* my husband loves them, and okra (my father in law is from TX) ! At a resort in California, is where I had my first taste of grits, haven't had any since, but if I did, there would be lots, and lots of cheese! There is a Cracker Barrel that just opened up where my mom lives, I will check in there! Loved 'My Cousin Vinny'! =)
ReplyDeletehugs, Christine
Yeah, fried green tomatoes AND fried (or boiled) okra is totally gross and never, ever, ever crosses these lips! LOL. Do check the Cracker Barrel. I love cheese but do not love it touching other foods….like grits or hamburgers or broccoli, or tacos (yes, I eat cheese-less tacos)…there is a very long list…LOL. My Cousin Vinny is one of our most favorite movies of all time! Have a great one! Hugs!!
DeleteMy husband makes the best and creamiest plain grits for breakfast. But I make them with good chicken broth instead of water when the kids come home, add a stick of butter and a pile of fresh-grated cheddar, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. And not a teaspoon is left. I've served this at a bridesmaids' luncheon too and they were gone.
ReplyDeleteI never run out of grits because I always keep one pack in the freezer!
I’ve never thought of using chicken broth! I bet that gives them a wonderful flavor! And YUM with the Worcestershire and garlic. The hubby loves them with lots of butter and cheese also, but I’m a plain Jane with the grits. :-) We always make sure we have extras. The boxes we keep in the fridge and stone ground (when we get them at Durbin Farms in Alabama) go in the freezer.
DeleteI love it when Vinny uses the illustration of cooking grits in the courtroom! Thanks for joining the #OMHGWW Linkup!
ReplyDeleteShellie @ShellieBowdoin
That is one of my favorite scenes from the movie!! Have a great day and thank you for hosting!
DeleteI have never heard of grits before. Maybe just not something you find in the UK. But they sound delicious. Like an alternative to pancakes maybe?
ReplyDeletexx Dandy I http://chasingquaintness.blogspot.co.uk
I don't think you have them in the UK, but they are primarily a breakfast item. But Shrimp & Grits are popular over here for lunch or dinner! Definitely a multi-use product. You might be able to purchase online if you are interested in giving them a try! Have a great day!
DeleteNot sure about grits but I love the story - Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.
ReplyDeleteThank you Amber and thanks so much for hosting! Have a great evening!
DeleteCan you believe I have never cooked grits? Just don't see them around here. I did have them when I was visiting OH. I liked them, but can't remember what they even tasted like. lol! Here we eat a lot of Cream of Wheat. I know Southerners will say, that's a shame! Thanks for sharing with SYC. Loved 'Kiss My Grits'!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
They are getting more difficult to find if you are not in the south, but it seems that every Cracker Barrel serves them. My hubby loves Cream of Wheat and usually prefers that over grits…and he was southern born and raised! :-) Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it! :-)
DeleteTrue southerner...we love grits! Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy
Cindy, thanks so much for hosting each week! We love them also, they are a true staple in our home! Have a great evening!
DeleteWell, of course, being raised as close to Louisiana as I was, my favorite way to eat grits is shrimp and grits--YUM! But I really need a good recipe! But for breakfast? Butter and sugar!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried sugar in my grits...interesting! May have to give that a go to see how it tastes! Thanks so much for the idea!!
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