What grits are good? - Big Big Forums

10-21-2003, 07:29 PM

Hi! This is going to be a different one. I am a born and raised Yankee, who ended up marrying a rebel of long Southern heritage. My husband says he would like grits for Christmas morning breakfast. I am my child don't have to eat them, but he says it would be a nice present for him. The problem: grits are not really popular in this part of the country. I know nothing about them. Would someone give me a brief eduaction about a good brand of grits (good, not Instant Quaker please), and where I may buy them online? I know it is a strange request, but my husband is a good man, and deserves them. He does not deserve me walking into our local grocery, and buying instant Quaker grits, and going "Merry Christmas, honey!" Thanks, Joy

PS: Clues about how to prepare it properly would also be appreciated.

cathych · 10-21-2003, 11:05 PM

Use Quaker Quick Grits. They are not instant, they just have a shortened cooking time. To cook: remember that grits rehydrate 3-1. (thats 3 parts water to 1 parts grits) Get your water to boing in a large pot. Have your water just about to boil, then add your grits very slowly, stirring while you add them. Now, put the lid on & immediately turn the heat to low. Let them sit there undisturbed for about 10 min., stirring about every 5 min. or so. DO NOT LET THEM LUMP UP! They will lump up very quickly if you do not stir them often, preferably with a wisk. (nobody likes lumpy grits, uck!) When they have finished cooking, add a big lump of butter, (heck, its the holidays, get the real thing, & make sure it is SALTED), then just salt & pepper to taste. I really like lots of pepper in my grits, but not everybody does. You can also toss in some shredded chedder cheese before serving. Feel free to ask any more questions, I have been eating grits all my life!

10-22-2003, 07:41 AM

Thank you! -Joy

Sunnymoonx · 10-23-2003, 12:56 PM

My DH was born and raised a Redneck and me a Yankee so I had no clue either. I buy the Quaker for him as well and he loves it (as long as I do it right!!LOL) be careful when you cook them, don't turn them real high and be sure to cover them as they WILL spit at you and it BURNS!!!
good luck!!

cathych · 10-23-2003, 01:02 PM

and be SURE and put the grits pot in cold water (after it gets empty of course) (thats right, cold) right away, or the grits will stick to the pot like concrete!

10-23-2003, 03:25 PM

Thanks, again! Maybe when he goes to work I should practice making them BEFORE Xmas so if I screw up when no one else is home, there
is less harm done.

cathych · 10-23-2003, 07:44 PM

I love the kind of supper that has Ham & eggs, grits, & biscuits, along with some jelly & honey!

Quaker_Parrots · 10-24-2003, 01:37 PM

If you have a cracker barrel near you, you could always get some already made the night before, and reheat them the next morning for breakfast(they are closed Xmas day)

fatesfaery · 10-26-2003, 06:54 PM

In my lil southern opinion......Aunt Jemima grits are better than Quaker (though I'll eat both). I always get the quick cook instead of the long cook (30 minutes) or instant (gross).
Grits are really easy to cook,follow directions on the bag, stir often to prevent lumps, watch them and if they start to look too thick, just add a little water.

Reheated grits(shudder) are beyond nasty........they get extemely thick and if you add water they just lump up.

Believe it or not, even though grits are a southern thing, I know more southerners who hate grits than southerners who like grits.

If you have trouble finding them, just yell, I'd be happy to pick some up and send them to you.

cathych · 10-26-2003, 07:19 PM

well, this bring to mind a true story: A lady from the middle east I know said one time her grits always turned out terrible, I asked her how she was making them, & she was making them like oatmeal......with sugar & all...............

fatesfaery · 10-26-2003, 08:13 PM

My Granny used to put sugar on her grits. I don't care for it though.
If i'm eating them with eggs and other breakfast food, all I want is butter. If i'm eating them alone then I want butter and cheddar cheese.