MAPLE-BACON GRITS PUFF
Bacon and maple add salty sweetness to a grits dish that puffs, tastes yummy and is beautiful to look at.
—LOTTE WASHBURN SEBRING, FL
PREP: 20 MIN. • BAKE: 1 HOUR • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS
8 bacon strips, chopped
2 cups 2% milk
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking grits
1/2 cup maple syrup
4 eggs, lightly beaten
Minced fresh chives, optional
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the drippings.
2. In a large saucepan, bring milk, water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, 5-7 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in maple syrup, half of the cooked bacon and reserved drippings.
3. In a bowl, whisk a small amount of hot grits into eggs until blended; return all to pan, mixing well. Transfer to a greased 8-in.-square baking dish.
4. Bake, uncovered, 1 hour or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and, if desired, chives; let stand 5 minutes before serving.