Cheesy Grits Casserole

I am a little behind in posting.... In about 3 weeks I will close my gift shop and tea room that I have had for almost 9 years!  We are busy selling everything furniture, merchandise, and serving many of our dear customers their last "Afternoon Tea".  Owning my own business has been a real dream come true!!!  But I am really ready to leave the retail world...I can't wait to be able to spend Saturday's with my husband!!!

I am sharing this wonderful Cheesy Grits Casserole that I served while my mother-in-law was visiting to meet her very first great grandchild!  What fun to see a 88 year old playing with a baby!  Life is so good!

This souffle-like casserole is easier to make than you think...this dish is great to serve in place of potatoes!

Ingredients:

2 cups milk

2 cups water

1 cup quick grits

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon hot sauce

3 or 4 grates of fresh nutmeg

6 large eggs, separated

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 425.  Generously butter a 2-quart souffle dish and place in the freezer.

Bring the milk and water to a boil in a large saucepan.  Whisk the grits into the milk mixture in a slow, steady stream and bring the mixture back up to a low boil.  Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes, until the grits are just tender.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and nutmeg.  Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let cool slightly.

Whisk the egg yolks in to the grits until fully combined.  Place the egg white in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes.  Fold in one-third of the egg whites to lighten the mixture, then gently fold in the remaining whites.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish, spread evenly,. and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.  Bake for about 25 minutes, until puffed and firm around the edges and still slightly soft in the center.  Remove from the oven and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving warm.