Five Things I Learned About Myself Last Week
by Joy Wilson
My Los Angeles style of driving will piss many people off outside of Los Angeles.
When traveling, I will take an unreasonable, and possibly troubling amount of travel-sized toiletries with me no matter the duration of the trip.
I so so soooo want to be the girl that’s awesome at Frisbee football…. but I’m totally just not.
I’m stubborn. I practice. I’ll totally be good at Frisbee football one day.
In a canoe in the ocean? I’ll jump out. You won’t even have to dare me. Life is short and the water is warm.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’ll score a 2.2 in gracefulness returning my body back to the canoe. Whatever. Remember that part about life being short. Yea. Exactly.
Some people might feel like a bikini top is a suitable shirt…. but I’m pretty sure it just feels like wearing a bra in public. That’s just me.
When on vacation is a warm place with tropical fruits and fresh fish… I’ll most likely be thinking about cheese grits and my monster kitten. I dunno.
I’m glad to be back in the kitchen.
I missed you. Seriously. I don’t care if you look at me strangely.
I’m back in the kitchen with butter and corn… and I’m no stranger to grits. Remember that Shrimp and Grits dish I made? Insane!
These grits are just a bit different. They’re mixed with sweet, fresh corn and a big ol’ chunk of soft goat cheese. Goat cheese melts down in the hot grits, creating an irresistibly creamy dish. Fresh corn adds little bits and bites of sweetness.
This is a dreamy summer dish. Pair grits with a fried egg for breakfast, OR with ribs or barbecue chicken is you’re feeling dinnery. Seriously… delicious!
Fresh Corn and Goat Cheese Grits
makes 6 small portions, or 3 main portions
adapted from Bobby Flay
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups water
1/2 cup milk (I used whole milk)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup stone-ground grits
1/3 cup chopped scallions
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 2 or 3 ears of corn)
black pepper
4 ounces goat cheese
fresh chopped parsley
Place a medium sauce over medium heat. Add butter and cook down until butter is browned. Add milk and water and bring mixture to a boil. Add the grits while stirring and reduce heat to a simmer. Add salt. Cook grits, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until medium thick. This may take about 20 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a separate medium skillet. Add scallions and cook for 2 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic and corn, top w 1/2 teaspoon salt and a hearty pinch of black pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until corn is slightly browned, warmed, and softened slightly.
Add cooked corn mixture and goat cheese to the hot, cooked grits. Stir until goat cheese is melted and incorporated into the grits.
Top with chopped parsley and serve immediately with a fried egg or delicious barbecued food.
Mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated on the stove top with a splash of water and milk.
A Plum By Any Other Name
I think I may be lactose intolerant. I say “may” because I can’t seem to avoid cheese for more than, um, two days at a time. (No matter how much it hurts.) I’ve been foiled again by the sound of your grits recipe. Off I go in search of goat cheese … gut beware.
Alicia @ Treble Tart
I cannot remember the last time I had grits, but I know the NEXT time I’ll be having them! Thanks for this, Joy! Will you be my BFF?
joythebaker
yes. obvi.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
I’ve never had grits! Weird.
Sarah
Wow, Joy, this looks deeeeelish! I’ve never made grits at home. I’ll have to try it out. Like you, I’m away, and miss my kitchen. I’m itching to make brownies.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
These look amazing with the corn and goat cheese!
Maris (In Good Taste)
Such beautiful vacation photos and a delicious recipe to welcome you back!
Holly @ Recipes from a normal mum
I too am graceless at climbing back into boats and canoes. It’s perfectly allowed as long as you can bake like an angel. x
zoe @ myfoodintranslation
Hi Joy! I always get a good laugh out of your totally relatable day to day tidbits (toting the whole sample toiletries collection wherever I go? I’m in!).
No chance of finding grits where I live, so only lusting over your recipes so far although I’m thinking I might finally take the chance and give it a try with polenta to see if it turns out (goat cheese plus corn kernels make these just too appealing).
I also just started listening to your podcasts, pretty cool too!
joythebaker
i think polenta would be yummy!
Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine
Well, you score higher on re-entrance into a canoe than I do.
I may even be subzero…
Emily@SoDomesticated
Oh goodness… my mouth is watering. Yum!
Lisa
Being an Aussie and not having access to grits, do you think I could substitute polenta?
Grits is definitely on my list of things I must try when one day I eventually get to the states. In this world where it feels like you can get anything anywhere, it is one thing that doesn’t seem to have made it here.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
Creamy sweet and savory meets sweet?
Sign me up!
But wait, I want to be signed up for a trip to Hawaii, first! That ocean pic is gorgeous.
And I live in San Diego and i KNOW I make people outside of SoCal a little peeved with my driving…just b/c I am a lead foot. Can’t help it!
Paula @ Dishing the Divine
Agreed about being good to have you back. While you’ve been gone, I’ve been cooking up a storm. I am ready for my own little vacation now. :) You get in the kitchen and I’ll just drool over your recipes for a change. :)
christine [the sugar apothecary]
Oh my! Creamy, melted goat cheese and fresh, sweet corn kernels?! Absolute heaven.
And I know what you mean: I can’t wait to get home, even after an awesome vacation. I always miss my dog, my bed, my gray living room rug (perfect for stretching out and watching TV on your back with said dog), and I always miss my bathroom, with its plethora of very specific things, all of which are essential to my well-being… like eye drops and and pomegranate body scrub. DUH.
Glad you’re back. We like having you in your kitchen as much as you do. xxoo.
Jessica
From one grit lover to another, I love you. This looks perfect in every way.