Aunt Lynda's Creamy Grits & Sweet Potato Casserole 🍚🥔

These two comforting dishes are perfect for family gatherings and celebrations! Aunt Lynda’s creamy grits are rich and flavorful, while the sweet potato casserole is a delightful mix of sweet and savory, topped with a gooey layer of mini marshmallows. Whether served for breakfast or as a side dish for dinner, you'll love how these recipes bring warmth to the table!

Aunt Lynda's Creamy Grits

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 4 tbsp butter
• ¾ cup quick white grits
• 3 tbsp cream cheese
• 2 tbsp half & half
• ½ cup chopped onions

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the chopped onions, and then slowly whisk in the grits.
2. Cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
3. Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the butter, cream cheese, and half & half until creamy and well combined.

🥣 For extra flavor, consider sautéing the onions in butter before adding them to the grits. This will add a lovely caramelized note to the dish!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 medium or large cans of cut sweet potatoes
• 1 large can crushed pineapple, drained
• Topping:
  • 1 small can shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 stick melted butter
  • ¾ bag mini marshmallows
  • 2 tbsp apricot preserves

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sweet potatoes and crushed pineapple. Stir until well mixed, then pour into a greased casserole dish.
3. In another bowl, mix together the coconut, pecans, melted butter, and marshmallows. Spoon this mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
4. Drizzle the apricot preserves on top of the marshmallow layer for an extra touch of sweetness.
5. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly.

🍬 The combination of coconut, pecans, and marshmallows creates a wonderful melody of flavors. Feel free to adjust these toppings based on your preferences!

Serving Suggestions

• Grits: Serve them as a hearty side dish alongside fried chicken or grilled shrimp for a Southern-style meal! Add a sprinkle of cheese or hot sauce for extra flavor.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish pairs beautifully with glazed ham or turkey and makes a fantastic addition to your holiday table.

Variations

• Spicy Grits: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your creamy grits a little kick! 🌶️
• Nut-Free Casserole: Omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
• Vegan Adjustment: Substitute the butter in both recipes with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version!

Enjoy these comforting classics and watch them disappear at your next gathering! 🌟