Smoked Gouda Cheese Grits

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 2 cups chicken broth 
• 1 cup gouda cheese smoked freshly grated
• 6 servings bell pepper to taste
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits uncooked
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 

Equipment

• frying pan
• sauce pan
• whisk

Directions

1. Bring chicken broth and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in grits; reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until creamy.
2. Gradually stir in cheese, and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and smooth. Stir in butter and salt; season with pepper to taste.
3. *Vegetable broth may be substituted.
4. Try This Twist! Shrimp and Grits: Soak 1 lb. large peeled raw shrimp (31/40 count) in 1/3 cup dry vermouth 10 minutes; drain. Saut shrimp in 2 Tbsp. melted butter in a skillet 2 to 3 minutes or until done. Season with salt and ground white pepper to taste.
5. Serve over Smoked Gouda Cheese Grits. Makes 4 to 6 servings. Hands-on time: 10 min., Total time: 35 min. (including grits).