Though I rationalize, think, mull, ponder that now is the only place to be, who I am at the core wants it to be Christmas every day of the year. I fantasize about living in the North Pole and working in Santa’s workshop. Wouldn’t that be the best job? Snow, hot chocolate by the fire, Christmas carols, mittens and boots – ah! Perchance to dream!

Earth to Stacy.

Today is the twelfth day of Christmas, so before I take down the tree and put away the decorations, I’m going to make a pot of Mama’s cheese grits to warm both my body and my soul. We always have it as a side dish for our Christmas feast, and today is the perfect day to have it one more time before I say goodbye to Christmas and hello to Mardi Gras.

Mama’s Cheese Grits

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

6 cups water
1/2 cup quick grits
8 oz. grated cheese (your choice)
3 cloves minced garlic
salt to taste
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup milk
1 beaten egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring water to a boil and slowly add grits. (If you add it all at once, it will clump) Lower the heat to medium and simmer about 5 minutes until grits is thick and creamy. Sir occasionally.

Add the cheese (reserving about 1/2 cup for garnish), garlic, salt, and pepper.

Stir until the cheese is completely melted. Turn off the stove and remove from heat. Add the milk and beaten egg and stir until blended.

If you are not using a stove-to-oven casserole, pour the grits into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Cover dish and pop into the oven. Bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Maybe next year Mama will be here to enjoy them with me.

Enjoy the last day of Christmas, friends! ♥