Highlands Baked Grits

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a large, heavy saucepan, bring four cups of water and the salt to a boil. Stirring with a wooden spoon, add the grits in a slow, steady stream and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened and tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from heat and add the butter, Parmigiano and white pepper, stirring until combined. Add the egg and stir to incorporate.

2. Step 2

   Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375. Butter 8 to 10 4- to 6-ounce ramekins, or a large, oven-safe casserole that will hold the grits.

3. Step 3

   Divide the grits among the buttered ramekins if using or fill the casserole, then place in a baking pan and add enough hot water to it to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins or casserole. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for approximately 20 minutes longer, or until the tops are crusty and beginning to brown.

4. Step 4

   While the grits are baking, combine the wine, vinegar, shallots, bay leaf, chili pepper and ham in a medium sauté pan, set it over high heat and bring to a boil.

5. Step 5

   Cook mixture until only 1 tablespoon of liquid remains. Now reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream. Whisk in the butter bit by bit, adding each new piece as the previous one is incorporated.

6. Step 6

   Strain the sauce into a saucepan. Add the Parmigiano and season with salt and pepper, lemon juice and hot sauce to taste. Keep warm.

7. Step 7

   Heat olive oil in a small sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Add the thin-cut ham or prosciutto, mushrooms and shallot and cook until the mushrooms are barely tender, 3 to 4 minutes.

8. Step 8

   Unmold the grits onto serving plates and turn browned-side up. Ladle a little sauce around the grits and top with the mushrooms and ham. Garnish with thyme leaves. If using a casserole, you can simply put the sauce on top of the whole, garnish with thyme leaves and serve in big, heaping spoonfuls with extra sauce on the side.