Seafood Adds Flair To Southern Staple
Once almost exclusively a staple of Southern cuisine, grits have made their way from the family breakfast table to the lunch and dinner menus of some of the nation's finest restaurants.
One of the unique characteristics of grits is the variety of ways it can be paired with other foods. Shrimp and grits is one of the most popular grits combinations. All over the country chefs have created an amazing variety of shrimp and grits recipes, but one of the simple classics is a stir-fry of shrimp and peppers served over creamy Cheddar cheese grits.
When you go to a brunch down South, some version of garlic cheese grits is almost always on the menu. Tex-Mex Cheese and Green Chile Grits is a variation on that theme that is the perfect side dish for a brunch, a cook-out or a family dinner. And, for an elegant yet easy dessert, Grits Cream served with fresh fruit or berries is amazingly delicious.
The popularity of shrimp and grits will never be more evident than on the weekend of Sept. 14-16, 2007 when thousands of shrimp and grits lovers from across the country will journey to Jekyll Island, Ga. to celebrate the savory dish. Special cooking demonstrations, corn hole toss competitions and the Jim Dandy® Grits booth will be featured at the festival - along with amateur and professional cooking contests, shrimp boat tours and a shrimp eating contest.
For more grits recipes and information about the Wild Georgia Shrimp and Grits Festival, visit www.jekyllisland.com.