Grits Bruschetta with Tomato Salsa

Ingredients

• 0.3 teaspoon pepper black
• 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin divided
• 0.3 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 1 cup grits white yellow stone-ground uncooked
• 1 ounce parmesan cheese shredded
• 24 servings tomato salsa 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 3 cups water 

Equipment

• baking sheet
• sauce pan
• oven
• cookie cutter

Directions

1. Combine water, grits, and salt in a medium, heavy saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 20 to 25 minutes or until grits are very thick, stirring often. (If using polenta, add polenta to boiling water, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 14 minutes or until very thick.)
2. Remove grits from heat, and stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and pepper; pour out onto a flat, heat-resistant surface or baking sheet.
3. Spread to about 3/8-inch thickness (10-inch square); allow to cool completely (about 1 hour) so that the mixture is firm to the touch.
4. Preheat oven to 35
5. Once grits are very firm, cut into rounds with a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter.
6. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
7. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
8. Remove from oven; flip rounds over, and brush other sides with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Return to oven, and bake 10 more minutes.
9. Remove and cool completely. Top rounds with salsa, and serve immediately.