Baked Garlic Cheese Grits

4 cups water

1¼ tsp salt

1 cup uncooked quick cooking grits

1½ cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar

1 tablespoon butter

¾ cups 2% reduced fat milk

2 teaspoons garlic powder

½ tsp hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)

2 large eggs

Cooking Spray

· Preheat oven to 350°

· Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually add grits, stirring constantly. Cover and simmer 8 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently. Remove pan from heat. Add 1 cup cheese and butter, stirring until cheese melts.

· Combine milk, garlic powder, hot pepper sauce and eggs – stirring with a whisk. Stir milk mixture into grits mixture. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with ½ cup cheese, bake an additional 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Let grits stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Yield 8 servings (serving size: ¾ cup)