GARLIC CHEESE GRITS SOUFFLÉ

Garlic Cheese Grits Souffle 

Makes 6 servings

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon minced garlic

4 cups water

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1 cup uncooked regular grits

4 large eggs, separated

2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1/8 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Melt butter in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in water, salt, pepper and dry mustard. Bring to a boil. Gradually stir in grits. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in egg yolks, cheese and hot sauce.

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Fold one-fourth of the egg whites into grits. Fold grits into remaining egg whites. Pour into a greased and floured 2-quart souffle dish. Bake until puffed and lightly browned, about 45 minutes. Serve immediately.