GRITS PIE

Sweet Grits Pie– makes 8 servings 

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup quick-cooking grits
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 3/4 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• zest of one large lemon
• 1 (9-inch) frozen pie shell, thawed
• Sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries – optional garnish – I would recommend a bit of fresh whipped cream if you have a working fridge!

– Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

– In a small saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the grits and cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the butter and cook for 1 additional minute. Set aside and cool slightly.

– In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, eggs, buttermilk, lemon zest and vanilla. Slowly stir into the cooled grits. Pour into the pie shell and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until set. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream and berries as a garnish, if desired.