GRITS AND GREENS RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
• In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the half-and-half and 6 cups of the chicken stock and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once up to a boil, stir in the grits. Bring it back up to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture has slightly thickened (it should resemble cooked oatmeal in thickness), 10 to 15 minutes. Use a whisk to break up any lumps that have formed.
• Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until just turning crispy, about 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel, patting it to remove any excess fat. Using the same saucepan, add the onions to the leftover bacon drippings and saute until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Then add the collard greens and the remaining 2 cups chicken stock and cook until tender, another 10 minutes. Drain the collards and onions in a colander.
• Once the grits are done, add the Parmesan, butter, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup of the Monterey jack. Stir until the butter has melted and all the ingredients are well combined. Then add the drained collards mixture and stir.
• Transfer the grits mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the crumbled bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup Monterey jack. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes.

Steps:

• Combine whipping cream and 3 cups chicken stock in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Gradually stir in grits. Cook over medium heat until mixture returns to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes, or until creamy.
• While grits cook, pour remaining 1 cup chicken stock into a large skillet; add greens. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until greens are tender and stock is absorbed.
• Add butter, cheese, and pepper to the grits, stirring well. Stir in cooked greens. Cook 1 minute or until grits and greens are thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon, and serve immediately.