Cheese Grits

Serves 6 to 8

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

1 cup grits (regular or quick-cooking grits)
4 cups water

Cook the grits in the water according to the package’s directions.

¼ cup butter
6 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon sea salt, any fine grain
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Slowly add the butter, cheese, salt and cayenne pepper to the grits.  Constantly stirring.

2 egg yolks, beaten well
2 egg whites, beaten stiff

Then add the egg yolks and fold in the egg whites.

Cracker or dry bread crumbs (I like homemade bread crumbs or Panko)

Pour into a greased 1 ½ -quart casserole. Sprinkle cracker crumbs on top. Bake for 40 minutes.