Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Grits & Grillades

On January 25, Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives featured a local restaurant, Louie and the Redhead Lady.  We've eaten there a few times, but I can't speak of the items highlighted, as I've only ever ordered the fried catfish.  The restaurant is small, and the wait tends to be longer than Andrew has the patience, so we usually go to a diner that is not only closer to our house, but also has quicker service.  However, one of the items Louie prepared, Grits & Grillades (pronounced gree-odds) has been uppermost in my mind since I watched the episode.  I've had shrimp & grits - love!  But, I've never had grits and grillades!  I know, I can't believe it, either, as grits and grillades are the quintessential New Orleans brunch item.  I've seen them on countless menus, but never ordered them, as I'm more of an omelette kind of girl.  Anyway, after the episode, I began my research on a recipe for grillades; grits, I've got that down to a science, so I needed no recipe.  Recipes abound, and while the seasonings are similar, I chose to go with the version I first found in the archives of the Times Picayune, then again in Cooking Up a Storm
I really enjoyed the comforting flavor that only comes from a roux, tomatoes, and the "holy trinity" (onions, bell peppers, and celery).  This was a wonderful dish, particularly on a cold, rainy night.  The only thing missing was a plate of buttery biscuits!  As I said, grits and grillades are commonly served for brunch, but it's also a perfect dish to prepare for a cozy Sunday night supper.
Recipes can be found at the end of this post.

I'd like to thank Cassandra of Butter & Oven Mitts for awarding me the Stylish Blogger Award!  I'm truly honored. Of course, what's great about winning this award is that I get to pass it on to 10 bloggers. 
Congratulations ladies!
Lyndsey - The Tiny Skillet
Heather - girlichef
Here is how it works:
- Thank and link back to the person who awarded this to you.
- Share 7 (random) things about yourself.
- Pay it forward to 10 bloggers whom you feel are deserving.
- Contact those bloggers and let them know about their award.

7 Random Facts...
1. I can write backwards, in cursive, from right to left.  Some people doodle, I write backwards.
2. I skipped out on law school orientation to go to a Dwight Yoakam concert in Houston.
3. Winter is my favorite season.
4. I have one sister and one brother - I'm the eldest.
5. I didn't get married until I was 40.
6. I love cold, rainy days.
7. I am an INTJ.
Click here for the Grits and Grillades recipe. 
Find my version of cheesy grits here.
Linked to Hearth and Soul, Tuesday Night Supper Club, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tuesdays at the Table, Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday, Tasty Tuesdays, Mouthwatering Mondays, Tailgating Time,