In Need of a Side Dish

My neighborhood bunco club is about to hold it's year end wrap in with a potluck. The host is serving BBQ (pulled pork) & buns.

The rest of us bring everything else. I'm looking for a side...
can't contain any onions, green peppers or mushrooms,
serves at least 6 (or more),
able to sit at room temperature for a good while,

so? any & all suggestions are welcomed ...

I highly recommend garlic cheese grits (baked in the oven). It's super with bbq.

I have never had grits in my life. Do you have a recipe for Garlic Cheese Grits?

tater salad, baked beans, corn casserole

I'd go with the potato salad..

Lori wrote:I have never had grits in my life. Do you have a recipe for Garlic Cheese Grits?

I'll have to get a recipe from Scott for you. He loves these. I can't have them because grits are corn and I'm allergic.

Oh, and grits are called polenta in Europe. Sounds fancy, doesn't it.

Grits are breakfast food, not a side dish! At least here they are.

Well, I've heard of polenta. Do I just buy a box of grits in the grocery store? And where are they? In the cereal aisle, or in the baking flours and stuff?

Yes, or quaker makes them instant

Some stores have them in the cereal aisle, some in the baking. Usually they are with the oats/oatmeal. And Erin is right, you can buy instant grits in the same type of little packets that oatmeal comes in.

Polenta is a Spanish or Mexican dish. We make it with yellow cornmeal. Served with ricotta cheese and speghetti sauce, makes a very good vegetarian dish or a hearty side.

Lori wrote:I have never had grits in my life. Do you have a recipe for Garlic Cheese Grits?

Here's the recipe from Bluegrass Winners cookbook. It's great for breakfast or as a side for lunch/dinner. Goes well with bar-b-q or ham. Even people who don't like regular grits usually like the baked cheese grits.


Garlic Cheese Grits

6 cups water
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups grits
1/2 cup butter
3 eggs, well beaten
1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 4 cups)
1 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cayenne pepper to taste

Bring water to a rapid boil with salt; gradually stir in grits with fork. Cook until all water is absorbed. Stir in butter bit by bit; carefully add eggs, cheese, garlic and cayenne pepper. Put into a greased 2 1/2 quart casserole. Bake at 350 for 1 hour 20 minutes. Serves 8.

I will be trying this...just as soon as I remember to look for the grits at the grocery store!