Kale and Grits

On one of my business trips to the Florida coast my daughter asked me to bring back stuff animal. She want a shrimp. At the time I didn't know that stuffed animal shrimp even existed. However, while eating out with colleagues I saw a Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant. This, I thought, is my best chance of finding a stuffed animal shrimp. Sure enough! Bubba Gump had them in several sizes and shapes. I found a small shrimp for my daughter and brought it home. Of all her stuffed animals, it is the ugliest!

Fortunately, no shrimp - real or manufactured - have to die for this delicious, easy vegetarian substitute for the classic shrimp and grits. This recipe for kale and grits combines garlic-infused kale with fancy grits, prepared with vegetable broth and a small amount of cheese.

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2lb kale, washed and cut into small pieces
• 1C quick grits
• 4C vegetable broth
• 1/2t salt, divided
• 1/4C finely shredded cheese

Directions

1. Pour the vegetable broth and 1/4t salt into a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the grits and reduce the heat to medium. Stir occasionally. Grits will continue to thicken and will be ready after 10 minutes.
3. While grits are cooking, place the garlic, 1/4t salt and 4 cups of water into a large pot. Bring the water to a boil.
4. Add the kale to the boiling water and let it cook, covered, for 5 minutes.
5. Drain the kale.
6. When the grits are at the desired thickness transfer them to a serving dish.
7. Place about half of the kale in a pile on top of the grits.