Creamy Savory Grits

Conceived Jan 18, 2013. This method, unlike the traditional method, combines the liquid and the grain when cold and prevents lumps. Bye-Bye, lumpy grits. Using two kinds of corn gives more textural contrast but is optional.

1 c chicken stock (more if needed)
1 c light cream
1/2 t salt
2 T butter, divided
1/4 c stone-ground yellow grits
1/4 c stone-ground white grits
1/4 t ground black pepper

Stir stock, cream, salt, and grits together in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it begins to steam. Add a tablespoon of butter, lower heat to medium, and continue stirring until the grits begin to bubble and thicken, about 10 minutes total cooking time. Take off heat, stir in remaining butter and the pepper, cover, and let stand 10 minutes to thicken. Add stock if needed to adjust thickness, and taste for seasoning. Excellent side dish at breakfast or as the basis for shrimp and grits, a low-country classic. Variation: chop 2 pieces of crispy toaster oven bacon and stir in with butter and black pepper. Serves 4 to 6.

Toaster Oven Tuna Melt, Jersey Diner Style

Tuna Melt in Toaster Pan

Prepared January 20, 2013 for a late-night Sunday supper. Adapted from an online recipe. This dish begs the question of whether an open-face dish can be a Sandwich. The Earl of Which asks of that, 'Who cares?'

2 slices Jewish-style rye bread (Arnold's™ is good)
2 oz Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
6 oz tuna salad
2 oz ripe tomato, sliced
2 oz grated sharp cheddar

Preheat the toaster oven on the broil setting. Place the bread on a pan, place the pan as far below the element as possible, and toast until the bread is nicely browned. Place slices of Swiss cheese on the hot bread, pile on the tuna salad, the tomato slices, and top with the grated cheddar, and return to the oven. Continue broiling for about 5 minutes longer, until cheddar is melted, bubbling, and browned. Serves 2.