Title: Guajillo Cheddar Grits
Categories: Corn Cheese Spice Side dish
Yield: 1 Servings

1/2	ts	Cumin seed
1/4	ts	Coriander seed
1	ts	Whole black peppercorns
3		Whole cloves
1/2		Dried guajillo or New Mexico
		Red chile, stemmed and
		Seeded
2 1/2	c	Water
1	ts	Salt
10	tb	Quick-cooking grits
3/4	c	Shredded Monterey jack
		Cheese
1/4	c	Shredded Cheddar cheese
5		Pickled tabasco peppers,
		Minced

Far from what you'll find at most diners in the South, these grits provide a well-seasoned blast of heat, as well as a musky sweetness from the cloves. The guajillo is a dried Mexican chile (when fresh, it's known as a mirasol chile), approximately 5 inches long, with a thin brittle skin and an earthy, slightly tannic flavor. Other dried chiles, such as the New Mexico red chile, may be substituted.

Preheat a small cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add cumin, coriander, peppercorns, and cloves and heat until fragrant and lightly toasted, about 2 minutes, shaking pan or stirring seeds to prevent burning. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Flatten the guajillo chile, place in skillet, and toast for a few seconds on each side. Remove from skillet, and grind chile and spices in a spice grinder until coarsely ground.

To make grits, bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add salt and grits. Cover and reduce to low heat. Cook 5 minutes, stirring often, until thick. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses. Stir in half of the spice blend, and reserve the remainder. Stir in the Tabasco peppers, taste, and add the remaining spice mix, if desired. Serve immediately.

Note: To adjust the heat, serve the second half of the spice mix in a small bowl at the table or serve the Tabasco peppers whole as a garnish. (You can also store the remaining spice blend in a dark, dry place in an airtight container.)

From: Bob Batson Date: 21 Dec 96 Chile-Heads List Ä

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