Cheesy Baked Grits with Ham

Ingredients

• 2 Ham Hocks
• 2 cups Apple Cider
• 3 cups Chicken Stock
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 1 cup Stone Ground Grits
• 1 Apples (cored, peeled, and diced)
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp allspice

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Make Ham Stock ---

2. 2

   Add chicken stock, apple cider, ham hocks, and fresh thyme sprigs to a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

3. 3

   Remove hocks and thyme. Cut the ham into smaller pieces. Reserve the stock.

4. 4

   --- Prepare The Apples ---

5. 5

   In a skillet add 1/2 the butter and melt on medium heat. Allow butter to brown then add the diced apples. Stir occasionally seasoning with cinnamon and allspice. Cook for about 5 minutes. Set aside.

6. 6

   --- Cook the Grits ---

7. 7

   Boil the reserved ham stock in the sauce pan. Mix in the cream then add the grits stirring constantly. Mix in the remaining butter and cheese. Add apples plus the diced ham, mix well, and cook according to package directions.

8. 8

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add the cooked grits to a prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of cheese and bake for about 30 minutes.

9. 9

   Serve as a side dish or main garnished with green onions or parsley.