Cheesy Grits and Turkey Bacon Souffle

Wonderful for Breakfast, Brunch or Dinner!

1 cup grits -quick cooking (not instant)

2-1/3 cups water

2 cups milk

3 Tablespoons butter

1 Tablespoon onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 -1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

6 slices crispy turkey bacon cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup egg whites, from 4 eggs

In a saucepan, bring water and milk to a boil over high heat and stir in grits. Return to a boil and reduce heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until grits are smooth and creamy, about 10 minutes. Transfer grits to a large bowl and allow to cool. Melt butter in a skillet. Add onion and garlic and saute until softened, about 2 minutes.

When grits have cooled, stir in sauteed onions and season with crushed red pepper, salt, black pepper, grated cheese and crumbled bacon.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 inch baking dish. Set aside.

In a large bowl beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently mix 1/3rd of the beaten whites into the grit mixture, then fold in remaining whites (do not over mix). Transfer to prepared baking dish and bake 40 to 45 minutes, until golden brown on top. Serves 6.

True Grit (1969)

"True Grit" is a hell of a good western and gave me an appreciation for John Wayne as an actor. He won the coveted Oscar and Golden Globe for his portrayal of Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn. "True Grit" and our recipe for Cheesy Grits and Turkey Bacon Souffle is more than just a play on words, both have down-home goodness and a style all their own.

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