SOUTHERN GRITS BREAKFAST RECIPES

Steps:

• Place the grits in a bowl and cover with water. Let sit for about 1 hour. Drain the grits and place them in a large pot. Add 8 cups water and set over medium heat. Stir as mixture comes to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, add 1 tablespoon salt, and cook until the grits are tender, 40 to 45 minutes. Add the cheese and cream and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and Tabasco. Keep warm, adding more water or cream to keep grits loose until ready to serve.
• In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Add the onion and mushrooms to skillet with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until they are just starting to turn pink, about 2 minutes. Add the wine, butter, and thyme and simmer until the wine has reduced by half, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• To serve, spoon the grits into a shallow serving bowl. Top with the shrimp mixture and sausage slices. 

Steps:

• Heat and soak the grits. Place 4 cups water, 1 1/2 cups grits, 2 dried bay leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a large pot or Dutch oven and bring to a boil over high heat. Immediately remove from the heat, cover, and set aside for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the butter and cheese.
• Prepare the butter and cheese. Cut 8 tablespoons unsalted butter into 8 pieces and grate until you have 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
• Boil the grits. Uncover and return the grits to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring regularly with a whisk and scraping the bottom to prevent clumping or burning, for 20 to 25 minutes.
• Finish the grits. The grits are ready when most of the water is absorbed and the grits are al dente (tender with a toothsome bite). Remove from the heat. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the butter, cheese, and 1 cup heavy cream just before serving.