Country Grits And Sausage
["2 c. water", "1/2 tsp. salt", "1/2 c. uncooked quick grits", "4 c. (16 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese", "4 eggs, beaten", "1 c. milk", "1/2 tsp. dried whole thyme", "1/8 tsp. garlic powder", "2 lb. mild pork sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained", "tomato roses (optional)", "fresh parsley sprigs (optional)"]
["Bring water and salt to a boil; stir in grits.", "Return to boil and reduce heat.", "Cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.", "Combine grits and cheese in a large mixing bowl; stir until cheese melts. Combine eggs, milk, thyme and garlic powder, mixing well.", "Add a small amount of hot grits mixture to egg mixture, stirring well. Stir into remaining grits mixture.", "Add crumbled sausage, stirring well.", "Pour into a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.", "Cover and refrigerate overnight.", "Remove from refrigerator.", "Let stand 15 minutes.", "Bake at 350\u00b0 for 50 to 55 minutes.", "Garnish with tomato roses and parsley sprigs.", "Yields 8 servings."]
["water", "salt", "grits", "Cheddar cheese", "eggs", "milk", "thyme", "garlic powder", "pork sausage", "tomato roses", "parsley sprigs"]