Grit Cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup stone ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pound breakfast sausage roll
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Oil for frying
• Flour (optional, for dipping)
• Egg, maple syrup, or sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
2. Stir in the grits and a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. While the grits are cooking, crumble and brown the breakfast sausage in a separate pan. Drain the fat once cooked.
4. Once the grits are finished cooking, stir in the sausage and shredded cheese. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary (the sausage and chicken broth are usually enough).
5. Pour the grits mixture into a greased 13x9 baking dish. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).
6. Once chilled and firm, cut the grits into squares. Optionally, dip the squares in flour.
7. Fry the grit cakes in 1/2" of hot cooking oil until lightly browned on both sides, or alternatively, bake on a greased baking sheet by dotting the tops with butter and baking at 400°F for about 25 minutes.
8. Serve the grit cakes with optional toppings like maple syrup, sour cream, or a fried egg on top.

Enjoy your savory, cheesy grits in the form of crispy grit cakes!