Southern Snacking: Country Ham Gritters

• 8 - 12 center-cut slices of country ham (12 ounces each)
• 12 cups chicken stock
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 5 cups white stone-ground grits
• 3 cups white cheddar cheese, grated
• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• vegetable oil for frying
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

1. Line 2 loaf pans with parchment paper.
2. Chop up the country ham slices into small cubes and place in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through.
4. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.
5. Combine the chicken stock, cream and salt in a 6-quart pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.
6. Whisk in the grits and reduce to low heat.
7. Simmer, stirring occasionally so as not to scorch the grits, for about 30 minutes or until soft and thick.
8. Add the chopped country ham and white cheddar and stir to incorporate the cheese.
9. Check and adjust seasoning.
10. Pour into the loaf pans and allow to cool in the refrigerator overnight uncovered.
11. When you are ready to serve, gently remove the grits from the pans and slice into 3/4-inch slices (as you would a loaf of bread), then into sticks (as you would French toast).
12. Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350F.
13. In a shallow bowl combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
14. Dredge the gritter sticks through the seasoned flour and place in the deep fryer in small batches.
15. Don't overcrowd the fryer or the temperature will drop.
16. Cook until crisp and golden, 4 to 5 minutes.
17. Drain on a paper towel before serving.

center, chicken stock, heavy cream, kosher salt, white stoneground grits, cheddar cheese, salt, vegetable oil, flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic

Taken from www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/southern-snacking-country-ham-gritters-recipe/ (may not work)