This post is sponsored by Where The Crawdads Sing, now available on Blu-ray™ and Digital.
Inspired by the at-home release of Where the Crawdads Sing, learn how to make two classic Southern recipes, Cheese Grits and Blackberry Cobbler. Comforting and super easy to make, both recipes are perfect for cozy movie nights at home with friends and family.
Where the Crawdads Sing, the film based on the best-selling novel, is now on Blu-ray™ and Digital and I am pumped! Perhaps you read the book or saw the movie in theaters, but for anyone just learning about the global phenomenon that audiences are raving about, then you are in luck.
Where the Crawdads Sing is about Kya Clark, or “marsh girl,” and her journey raising herself in the marshes of North Carolina. There is a little bit for everyone throughout the book and, of course, the film – love, heartache, murder, and mystery.
As a young girl, access to food plays an overwhelming role in Kya’s story. Abandoned and alone, she collects mussels just before dawn to trade for a small wage – just enough to purchase matches, gasoline, candles, and, of course, grits.
“And there was the small matter of surviving. I didn’t know how to do life without grits.”
Kya’s discipline and determination to not only survive but also succeed are inspiring. And a good reminder that you are the author of your own story.
Today I’m sharing with you two classic southern recipes – cheese grits and blackberry cobbler – both inspired by Kya and the at-home release of Where the Crawdads Sing.
What are Grits Made of?
Grits are made from whole dried corn kernels. But not the type of corn we like to enjoy at summer BBQs. Grits are typically made from dent corn which has a higher starch content compared to other corn varieties. This high starch content helps contribute to its smooth and creamy texture.
However, not all types of grits are the same. It is how they are processed that makes them different.
Type of Grits
- Stone Ground Grits: Stone ground grits are less processed than quick or instant grits. The coarsest grind requires the longest cook time at about 45 minutes, but also the most flavor.
- Hominy Grits: Hominy grits are made by soaking dried corn kernels in an alkali solution to remove the outer hulls. The soaked kernels are then dried and ground into grits. They have a finer texture than stone ground grits and take less time to cook.
- Regular or Old Fashioned Grits: Regular grits have a “medium grind.” They are ground slightly finer than stone ground grits but have a coarser grind than quick grits. On the stovetop, they take about 15-20 minutes to cook.
- Quick-Cooking Grits: Quick grits are finely ground. They cook in just 5-10 minutes.
- Instant Grits: Instant grits are precooked and dehydrated so that they only take a couple of minutes to cook in the microwave. As the most heavily processed type of grits on the market, they have little flavor. Just like instant oatmeal, instant grits come in individual packets.
For this recipe, any grits not labeled as “quick grits” or “instant grits” will work.
How to Make Cheese Grits
Bring the water, chicken broth, and one tablespoon of butter, salt, and garlic powder to a boil. Slowly stir in the grits, mixing well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, or until smooth and creamy.
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Mix well.
Season with additional salt or black pepper, to taste.
Can cornmeal be used in place of grits?
No. Cornmeal is not the same as grits. The overall cooking method and taste will be completely different if you use cornmeal.
Storage and Reheating
How to store leftover cheese grits: Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to reheat in the microwave: Reheat in the microwave at 50% power, occasionally stirring until they begin to warm and loosen. If necessary, add a little water, milk, or cream. Continue to heat at full power until heated through.
How to reheat on the stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring as needed to prevent burning, until the grits begin to warm and loosen. If necessary, add a little water, milk, or cream. Continue to heat and stir until heated through.
How to Serve Cheese Grits
Cheese grits are delicious and versatile and best enjoyed as a side dish. Try serving them with any of the following,
- Grilled steak with chimichurri sauce
- Sautéed shrimp in butter and garlic
- Fried eggs and bacon
- Garlic butter pork chops or these cream of mushroom pork chops
- Sautéed zucchini, broccolini, or your favorite southern greens
- Sausage gravy with biscuits
Cheese Grits
Ingredients
- 2 cups water - or extra chicken broth
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - or water
- 4 tablespoon butter - divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder - optional
- 1 cup old-fashioned corn grits - not quick/instant
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese - shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream - or whole milk
- Salt and Black Pepper - to taste
- Cayenne pepper, butter, fresh parsley - for serving
Instructions
- Add the water, chicken broth (or additional water), and one tablespoon of butter, salt, and garlic powder to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil before reducing to medium-low heat. Stir in the grits, and mix well to combine. Cook, uncovered and stirring often for approximately 20 minutes, or until thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter, shredded cheese, and heavy cream. Mix well. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Best enjoyed immediately.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
Blackberry Cobbler
I can’t think of a better way to enjoy plump, juicy, and delicious wild summer blackberries than baked in a hot and bubbly cobbler. Easy to make with simple ingredients, cobblers are a Southern favorite and perfect with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. No baking skills are required for this dessert, so anyone can make it.
What is a Cobbler?
Cobblers are a dessert consisting of a sweet fruit filling (i.e. blackberry, peach, blueberry) covered with a batter or biscuit topping. Some cobblers have both a top and a bottom crust, while others are topped with biscuits or dumplings fitted together.
Cobblers are different from crisps and crumbles which have a topping consisting of oats.
How to Make a Blackberry Cobbler
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×12 baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the blackberry filling: Heat the blackberries with the sugar in a large saucepot set over medium-high heat. The blackberries will start to soften and release their juices. Stir often. As the blackberries and sugar cook, combine the cornstarch and water. Stir into the blackberries and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, or until bubbly and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest.
3. Transfer the blackberry filling to the prepared baking dish. Set aside.
4. Prepare the cobbler topping: Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a cheese grater or microblade grater to cut the cold butter into the flour. Add the heavy cream and mix until just combined.
5. Drop the cobbler topping over the top of the blackberry mixture.
6. Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Can Frozen Blackberries Be Used Instead of Fresh Blackberries?
Yes, although fresh berries will always yield the best results. Whenever I use frozen berries, I like to add a little extra (about 1 cup). Your filling may also be a little thinner (not as thick). If you prefer an extra thick filling, reduce the amount of water mixed with the cornstarch or add additional cornstarch as needed.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftover cobbler, it will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven before serving.
How will you be enjoying Where the Crawdads Sing? You’ll find me cozied up on the couch with a few of my best girlfriends, a bowl of cheesy grits and shrimp, and my favorite blackberry cobbler baking in the oven.
Blackberry Cobbler
Ingredients
For the Blackberry Filling
- 36 ounces fresh blackberries
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- ½ lemon - zested, optional
For the Crumble Topping
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup cold butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8×12 baking dish with butter or spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Add the blackberries and granulated sugar to a large saucepot set over medium-high heat. Allow the blackberries to heat, soften, and start to release their juices. Stir often, combining the blackberries with the sugar and allowing for even cooking.
- Meanwhile, combine the cornstarch with ¼ cup of water, mixing well. Stir into the simmering blackberries and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Once thickened, stir in the lemon zest, remove from heat, and carefully pour into the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a cheese grater or microblade grater to cut the cold butter into the flour. Use a couple of forks or clean hands to distribute the butter into the flour evenly. Pour in the heavy cream and mix just until combined.
- Drop the topping by the spoonful over the top of the blackberry mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
Have you tried making cheese grits or blackberry cobbler?
Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.
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