Grits, according to Wikipedia:  

A food of Native American origin that is common in the Southern United States; it mainly consists of coarsely ground hominy. It is sometimes called sofkee or sofkey from the Creek word. The name ‘grits’ likely derives from the Northern European grit gruels.

Grits is similar to other thick maize-based porridges from around the world, such as polenta. It also resembles farina, a thinner porridge.

Grits can also be fried in a pan or mold to create a firm block. The resulting block can be cut with a knife or wire, and the slices are fried in a fat such as vegetable oil, butter, or bacon grease.

Honestly, growing up in Nashville, I was never a huge fan of grits. My parents aren’t from the South and never made them for us very often. I tried grits a few times but usually opted for eggs or pancakes instead. However, now that I’m older, my taste buds have broadened their horizons, and I love me some grits! Truth be told, I can’t get them out of mind ever since CD and I went to lunch at Soul Hole in Traverse City. I order the shrimp and grits, and it was just so good!

Mmmm, grits with butter with cornbread on the side. YUM!

After that delicious lunch, I went out and bought myself a canister of this…and I’m in love.

Now, I know some people think that corn is the devil. However, I like it, especially now that I’m trying to switch up my grain intake and eat less wheat. I’m not a fan of high fructose corn syrup (we’ll just ignore my obsession with Pop-Tarts during my first trimester, okay? Thanks!). Nor am I a big fan of corn oil. However, there are some corn products that I really like, grits being one of them…

2 servings of Quaker grits cooked in water and mixed with Jay Robb’s vanilla rice protein powder. Topped with Naturally Nutty Pepita Sun Seed Butter and White Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter.

Other corn products I enjoy?

I love raw corn straight from the cob in my salads. The kernels add such a nice sweet crunchy flavor. Try it!

I’ve also been known to top vanilla protein oats with raw corn.

Surprisingly good!

There there are papusas. Love a good papusa made with corn flour.

Tomato, goat cheese, and pesto filled papusa.

Let’s not forget popcorn…

And everyone knows I love corn tortilla chips!

Trader Joe’s Veggie Tortilla chips with Purple Cauliflower Monster-Mash

Favorite way to eat corn?

P.S. If you get a chance, please visit Feed Me, I’m Cranky to check out Annabel’s Healthy Lifestyle Blogger Series. Thanks for including me Annabel!

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