Let's Kibitz About Grits!

Hi Friends:

In recent weeks, I've been on the road spending a lot of time below the Mason Dixie Line. That's right folks, I was back home in the South eating some good 'ole comfort food and shopping for great vintage finds. My trip gave me a lot to write about (so get excited, there's more to come), but let's start with the highlight of my trip - eating. Specifically, eating grits.

Grits have their origins in Native American cuisine and today are predominantly served in the South as a breakfast item. In fact, according to Wikipedia, "three-quarters of grits sold in the U.S. are sold in the South throughout an area stretching from Texas to Virginia sometimes referred to as the 'grits belt.'"

I've seen breakfast grits consumed with a myriad of additions including cheddar cheese, sugar (yuck, sorry mom) and my favorite, salt and pepper. Yum!

From my experience, sad to say, grits are polarizing; you either love 'em or hate 'em. Clearly I love them. And up until this trip, my husband swore he hated them... that's until he met the grit cake. We sampled two variations while in Asheville, North Carolina.

First up, the grit cakes served as an appetizer for lunch or dinner at Tupelo Honey Café. This is when Mark realized his major mistake, came to his senses, and started liking grits. I just fell harder for them.

But then we discovered grit cakes...for breakfast. Oh my gosh, I was beside myself. Early Girl Eatery's twist on eggs benedict, the Early Girl Benny, was out of this world. And look who was eating grits yet again!

But let's get serious peeps. Grits really shine in my all time favorite dish, Shrimp and Grits. I could eat this meal three times a day for the rest of my life and never tire of it. If you've never indulged, do yourself a favor and Google "best southern food in [city - enter the city where you live]," get in your car, drive to the restaurant and order shrimp and grits. You will not be sorry.

I certainly consider grits food for the soul and I just can't get enough of them. Next up, I plan to figure out how to prepare this Southern staple up here in the windy city (but until I do, I've already tried the Google tip I told you about. Thank goodness Chicago is a foodie city). Do you have any tips on how to prepare grits or know of a great place to get grits in your city? Leave a comment and let us know!!

Until next time ya'll.