Holiday Entertaining
Southern Socials
Southern-Style Grits Bar
One of the most simple ways to feed a house full of hungry overnight guests is to offer a grits bar & after all, the hostess needs her beauty sleep. A slow cooker comes in handy for a variety of foods by providing hands-off meal preparation leaving time to attend to other tasks. Many are surprised to learn that grits can be made in the slow cooker overnight providing a breakfast menu that is easier to manage first thing in the morning. Follow my pointers on how to execute early meals with guests & savor the convenience of this valuable cooking technique.
The Menu
Southern-Style Grits Bar
Overnight company deserves a breakfast of quality but need not be complicated. Offer a southern staple & let guests custom create their own delightful morsel.
Creamy Stone Ground Grits
Bacon * Sausage * Sautéed Shrimp
Gruyere * Havarti * Parmesan
Scallions * Chives * Toasted Pecans * Butter
Kosher Salt * Freshly Ground Pepper * Crushed Red Pepper Flakes * Hot Sauce
Orange Juice * Coffee
The Planning & Logistics
Cook the grits as directed in your slow cooker the night before.
Fry bacon & sausage. Chop fresh additions & shred cheeses.
Portion topping ideas in pretty serving bowls, cover & refrigerate overnight.
Organize small bowls & ramekins on a tray with napkins & utensils.
Warm bacon & sausage in the microwave a few minutes in the morning.
Sauté the shrimp in a skillet & place in a pretty serving bowl.
Set out the remaining toppings & accompany with heirloom demitasse spoons for serving.
Place orange juice & milk in carafes. Have coffee prepared with mugs close by.
Let guests help themselves to breakfast when they are ready.
Creamy Stone Ground Grits
makes 8 to 10 servings
If the grits thicken too much, stir in a little water, milk or cream to thin them. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
3 cups stone ground grits
12 cups water
5 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup butter
Freshly ground pepper
Coat a 6 quart slow cooker crock with cooking spray. Add the grits, the water & the salt. Gently stir together the ingredients with a whisk to combine. Cover & cook on LOW 11 hours. Ideally, overnight is perfect. Stir in the butter & the pepper to taste. Hold the grits on the warm setting, stirring occasionally. Spoon into bowls.
FROM THE SOUTHERN HOSTESS OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{helpful advice}
How To Sauté Shrimp
Fresh shrimp is a delicious addition to grits, particularly when paired with a little bacon, cheese & hot sauce. Pick up the fresh catch the night before you plan to serve them & have your fish monger peel & devein the shrimp for you to save a little time. Cook the shrimp just before you are ready to have guests prepare a bowl of grits.
The Technique
Melt a few tablespoons of butter in large skillet over Medium-High heat. Add 1-pound of peeled & deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the shrimp with a smattering of kosher salt & a few quick grinds of pepper. Tousle the shrimp around in the butter until they turn pink & are just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Serve immediately.
The Tune
“Black Coffee” Julie London
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Be sweet.
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