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Kentucky Derby Grits Casserole
When I came up with this recipe to show on TV as a buffet item for Derby Day, my producer was not enthusiastic. "No one likes grits," he said. I think he is wrong, but you be the judge.
Ingredients:

2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking grits
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
3 eggs, separated
1 bunch scallions
2 tablespoons COLAVITA Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder


Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a pot, bring 6 cups water and the salt to a boil; gradually add the grits, stirring occasionally. Return the water to a boil; lower the heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally.  The grits should be thick in about 15 minutes.  While the grits cook, prepare the other ingredients - shred the cheese, beat the egg yolks and whip the whites until peaks form.  Slice the scallions very thin, and mix with 1 tablespoon olive oil.  When the grits are cooked, remove them from the heat; stir in the butter, sesame seeds, cheese, paprika, garlic powder and egg yolks.  Carefully fold in the egg whites. Grease a 7 1/2 by 11 3/4 inch casserole with the remaining oil. Pour the mixture in; bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle on the scallions and cook an additional 20 to 30 minutes, until firm. Serves 8 to 10 as a side dish
Per Serving: 241 Calories (50.0% from fat); 13g Fat (6g Sat, 5g Mono, 1g Poly); 10g Protein; 20g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 87mg Cholesterol; 589mg Sodium.  Food Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain (Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 2 Fat.