Country Grits and Sausage Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking grits, uncooked
• 3 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten (garnish)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon dried whole thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 pounds mild bulk pork sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained
• Tomato wedges (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Bring water to boil; stir in grits. Return to boil; reduce heat to low, and cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add cheese, stirring until melted.
3. Combine eggs, milk, thyme and garlic powder; stir well.
4. Gradually stir about one-fourth of hot grits mixture into egg mixture; add to remaining hot mixture, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in sausage.
6. Pour into a lightly greased 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
7. At this point, you can refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
8. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes or until set.
9. Garnish, if desired.

Yields 6 to 8 servings.