Watch and Learn + Sweet and Savory Grits

Even when people can’t or won’t tell you directly, they will show you the type of relationship they want to have with you. That guy who says he just wants to be friends, but incessantly buys you presents and invites you for drinks – just the two of you. The chick who you really want to get to know as a friend, but who never bothers to reach out to you. And only minimally gives of herself when she does. The chick you’re dating who swears she’s ready for a relationship, but six months in still won’t invite you to her house, introduce you to her friends or open up: all perfect examples of people trying to show you what you mean to them and what place they’d like you to hold in their lives.

I had a friend who used to always tell me she didn’t call or text because she was busy. I called bullshit on her more times than I can count. It takes about two seconds to send a “Just thinking about you” text. This colorful gentleman made a video about using the busy excuse. Even a simple text can make someone’s day which is the exact opposite of going two weeks and not saying boo. I myself am learning not to use busy as an excuse. I’m also learning to let people know when I’m thinking of them. I used to think of people and never actually reach out. I didn’t have the emotional capacity to reach. I’m working on that. I’ve gotten so much better.

My point is really that we make time for the things we care about. Each and every day, we make conscious decisions to give ourselves to one thing or another. If someone is showing you that they’d rather give themselves to something – or someone – else, do yourself a favor, save yourself some heartache, and listen to them.

You should also listen to your belly. Because this is a food blog. And I’m the cook and I say you should. hehe My belly was telling me to commit a serious crime: mix sweet grits with savory grits.

SAY WHAT?!

I know. There’s no denying the fact that I love grits. I’ve written about the incessant struggle between sweet and savory grits in Mint and the Geographical Truce. Usually, I am all about the sweet grits. But after recently having had the most delicious savory grits, I had a hankering for a mix of the two.

Unlike some people, my taste buds were telling me exactly what they wanted from me, and for once, I listened. It was quite possibly the best decision I’ve made all week.

What I Used
Trader Joe’s Stone Ground White Grits
1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
1/2 cup raw sugar
1/2 – 1 tsp liquid smoke (depends on taste)

What I Did

I cooked the grits according to specifications, nothing fancy there. If you use someone else’s grits, 1. Don’t expect these to taste the same and 2. Still follow those someone’s else’s cooking directions. After the grits were done, I folded in the cheese, sugar and liquid smoke. Let them set for five minutes and enjoy! Oh so, so delicious. Even my roommate, who doesn’t generally eat anything sweet, liked these!

Mint and the Geographical Truce

Homemade seitan, savory grits and honey mint thyme crema

There’s a great debate going on across the country. Middle America and those rug rats in the South have been going at it for years. Warring, raiding, generally acting a fool. And who can blame them? It’s an issue with a definite, exquisitely drawn side of right. Which is better: sweet grits or savory grits.

Being a midwesterner at heart, I’m going with sweet grits all day, every day, Homie. I have loved (and cooked for) a southerner or two in my day, though, and therefore I have learned to embrace the oddity known as cheese grits. I have learned to see the beauty in salt and pepper in harmony with hominy – not the same as grits, I know. But it sounded too sweet to pass up.

This week’s food challenge was mint. Well, I like mint in my smoothies. I like mint with rum. I even like mint with my lemonade. Cooking with mint? Sigh.

Being the woman that I am (and knowing my house would be shitbombed if I didn’t come through this week), I rose to the challenge. I opened my non-judgmental heart and decided I would pair savory grits with my favorite breaded seitan and concoct a lovely mint crema. The sauce was honeyed and thymed and a perfect hint of sweetness to parlay over the bed of grits and seitan.

Cold. Sweet. Thick. Delicious.

I created a cherry mint fruit cream to go with the meal.

I don’t know if the battle will ever be won between those who worship sugary, buttery grits and those who like their grits prim and proper and salted. I do, however, know that I am all about peace. And I shall spend my life creating a happy balance in the middle.

Honey Mint Thyme Crema
1 cup of cashews (soaked overnight)
2-3 cups of mint
2 cups fresh thyme
1 cup water
3 tablespoons honey
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt

Throw it all in your blender/food processor/soda can and mix it up. Pair it with your favorite savory dish and enjoy.