Reata's Cheese Grits

Reata is one of our favorite restaurants in Fort Worth.  We love having dinner on their rooftop, while taking in the view of the city.  I usually order a filet, and their cheese grits.  I was happy to happen across their recipe on a friend's Facebook post one day!

3 cups water
3 cups heavy cream
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1 T kosher salt, or to taste
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 1/2 cups dry grits
4 T unsalted butter
2 C sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Combine the water, cream, jalapenos, salt and pepper in a large saucepan, and cook over high heat until the liquid reaches a rapid boil.

At the boiling point, slowly whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Lower the heat to medium and continue to stir.  Stirring frequently, cook until the grits are soft and creamy, usually about 30-40 minutes.

Remove from the heat and add the butter and grated cheese.

Season with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Let cool slightly before serving so the grits can be mounded easily.  They should be the consistency of mashed potatoes.

Ricki's Spinach Pie

This is a delicious breakfast pie recipe that my sweet cousin Ricki made at a family reunion. Everyone was talking about how great it was!

16 oz. container of 2% low fat cottage cheese
10 oz. pkg. of frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
1 C shredded low-moisture part skim mozzarella cheese
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 jar (7oz) roasted red peppers, well drained, chopped
1/3 C grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients until well blended. Pour into greased 9 inch pie plate. Bake 40 minutes or until center is set. (Usually takes about an hour)

Tips:
You can substitute 1/2 chopped red bell peppers for the roasted peppers

Janie's Ham Rolls

I got this little recipe from my cousin Janie. She made these for a family reunion, and everyone loved them. Simple but delicious! :)

package of frozen parker house style rolls
butter
brown sugar
deli sliced ham

Thaw rolls and then separate tops from bottoms. Melt some butter and brown sugar together in the microwave just enough to create a golden brown color. Spoon some of the butter and brown sugar into the bottom part of each roll. Top with a small piece of deli ham. Put tops of rolls back on, and bake as instructed on package.

Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole

This recipe was served the morning of my cousin's wedding. I loved it so much that I asked for the recipe, and have made it many times!

6 slices of bread
1 lb. sausage
1 1/2 C cheddar cheese
6 eggs
2 C half & half
1 tsp. salt
margarine

Cut crusts off of bread. (I don't always do this part.) Spread margarine on both sides of bread. (I usually only do one side.) Place bread in a greased 9x13 dish. Cook sausage and drain on paper towels. Spread over bread. Sprinkle with cheese. Combine eggs and 1/2 & 1/2 and pour over sausage. Cover and chill overnight. Remove 15 minutes before bake time. Bake, uncovered, 45 minutes at 350.