Who put the GLAD in GLADIATOR????

HERC-U-LEEEESSSS!!!!!

Don't mind me. I'm just jamming out to the Hercules soundtrack again.

An appropriate choice for a Monday, don't you think? Why yes, yes I do. I may have just been humming this out loud at work. But I'll never tell.

Want to know a secret, invisible internet friends?

"Go the Distance" is definitely my pump up song. All. the. way. Maybe it's the trumpets at the beginning. Or the lyrics. Or the little tingling noises in the background that give me butterflies.

It's not necessarily a song I would play to get pumped up right before a marathon (though fitting it may be!), or to wake up in the morning -- but on those days that just feel kind of "bleh"? Yep. The days where you just need a little pick-me-up to let you know that "NO you're not a loser! And YES YOU CAN do this!"


I will BEAT the ooooodds!!!! I can go the distance!
I will FACE the worrrrrld!!! Fearless, proud and strong!!!!!


Don't even tell me that doesn't make you stand a little straighter and feel better about life...and want to stand with your fists on your hips whilst the wind blows your hair back as you say, "Bring it, world. Bring it!"

All the Disney fans say YEAH!

Don't even get me started on Mulan, Aladdin, and others that we could talk about for days.

LET'S get dooowwwn to BIZ-NESS! To de-FEAT -- the HUUUUUUNNNSSS!!!!

...

I have a recipe for you today, people.

Whhaaaaaatttttt.

Oh yes. Despite the lack of posting, I've actually been quite busy in the kitchen as of late.


He was a NO ONE! {A ZERO! ZERO!}


I can't even count how many times we have had corn grits on our table since September. It was one of the dishes served at our wedding reception awhile back - and it was on our flight to Charleston the next day that I found the recipe and determined to make it once we got back to reality.

And oh, we did.

It's warm, creamy goodness that goes perfectly with crispy baked chicken (or fried chicken, if you dare!), green veggies, or really, any food at all. And it's oh-so-delightfully Southern.


...And an AWESOME ten-for-ten!!!!!


So, now, folks - I give you the GRITS of Grits & Griddles. Hope you enjoy!

YES INDEED!

Southern Corn Grits

Adapted from Zea's Restaurant
Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 can of low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups heavy cream (half-and-half will work as well)

1 can of creamed corn (or 1 cup of fresh corn)

Just under 1/2 cup of grits (NOT instant)

Dash of cayenne

Dash of Tony's

Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Lower heat slightly, then add cream and return to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, continuing to stir. When the grits are evenly mixed in, add the corn. Continue to stir and lower heat to a simmer. Add in seasonings to taste, or a touch of butter if desired.

Cook for 5-10 minutes, until grits are fully cooked. Mixture will be very thick. Serve hot and enjoy!