True Grits

I was digging around in my freezer, seeing what I had on hand and how old it might be (it's time to use up some of the things I've had in there a while) and I discovered a bag of grits. I don't recall purchasing grits. I don't even really care for grits as a breakfast food. And, while they are a southern soul food staple... they weren't in the house of my youth. They don't seem quite so popular west of the Mississippi in the part of the south I call home. So, I really don't know what to do with grits. I can only imagine they came to my freezer as a gift from someone well-meaning. Or, my husband picked them up when I wasn't looking (I think he might actually like them for breakfast!). Anyway, I don't intend to waste them.

So, I'm searching around the internet for grits recipes and I'm finding a lot of them. Apparently, baked cheese grits are a popular dish. Grits combined with cornmeal make spoon bread. There are recipes for grits biscuits and bread. I've also found a few grit casseroles that look interesting. I think I'm most intrigued by the fried grits recipe I found. I'll certainly give the shrimp and grits recipe a try (I feel a Bubba Gump moment).

I'm sure that after experimenting a bit, I'll come up with a few grits recipes to add to my family's menu. I'm not exactly sure why I've never ventured into grits territory before, but it certainly is a frugal food. It's very existence is frugal since it's the gritty bits of corn gleaned after grinding cornmeal. It's inexpensive and a little bit goes a long way. But, as we all know, it's not a bargain if no one will eat it.

So, today, I'm making fried grits. If they work out, are tasty and my family likes them, I'll add the recipe later.

I'm still experimenting with apple fritter recipes. We made a batch yesterday and they were good... but not what I was looking for, so the search continues and I still have supplies on hand!

As I was digging through the freezer, I also discovered a bag of wheat berries. I'm not sure where they came from either, but now I'm intrigued and searching for recipes. I've no idea as to their cost, so I don't know if I can recommend them as a frugal menu item... but I'll check into it. Because, if I like them, I'll want to add more of them to my larder.

It seems I have a busy week experimenting in the kitchen with new ingredients and recipes!