Slab Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Broiled Grits

• 1/4 pound slab bacon, diced
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 3/4 cups grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

1. Scatter bacon in a dry skillet.
2. Cook over medium-high heat until barely crisp, about 4 minutes.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat.
5. Combine milk and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan.
6. Cover, and cook over medium-high until boiling, about 5 minutes.
7. Add grits and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
8. Reduce heat to medium.
9. Cook, stirring constantly until grits thicken, about 8 minutes.
10. Reduce heat to low; simmer, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes, until thick, about 20 minutes.
11. Cook, stirring constantly, until creamy and soft, about 15 minutes more.
12. Remove from heat.
13. Heat the broiler.
14. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon pepper, reserved bacon and bacon fat (if desired), and 1 1/4 cups cheese, and stir.
15. Transfer to a small baking dish or cast-iron skillet, and scatter with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
16. Broil until cheese is brown, about 3 minutes.
17. Serve hot.

bacon, milk, stoneground grits, salt, cheddar cheese

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/slab-bacon-and-cheddar-cheese-broiled-grits-393212 (may not work)