YIELD Makes 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
8 slices bacon 2 cups milk 1‑1/4 cups water 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup pure maple syrup 4 eggs Fresh chives (optional)PREPARATION:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 1-1/2-quart round casserole or soufflé dish; set aside.
- Cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat about 7 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towels; set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings.
- Combine milk, water, grits and salt in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in syrup and reserved 2 tablespoons bacon drippings.
- Crumble bacon; reserve 1/4 cup for garnish. Stir remaining crumbled bacon into grits mixture.
- Beat eggs in medium bowl. Gradually stir small amount of grits mixture into eggs. Stir egg mixture into remaining grits mixture. Pour into prepared casserole.
- Bake 1 hour 20 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean. Top with reserved 1/4 cup bacon. Garnish with fresh chives. Serve immediately.
