Baked Southern Cheesy Grits - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons butter (or margarine)
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (or medium cheddar)
1/2 cup half-and-half cream (or evaporated milk)
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1/4 cup onion, FINELY chopped
4 -5 dashes Tabasco sauce (or red pepper sauce)
1 (4 ounce) can green chilies (optional)
2 eggs, well beaten

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Butter or oil spray a 1-1/4 quart baking dish.
Prepare quick or instant grits to yield 4 cups cooked grits.
Remove pan from heat. Add salt,pepper, butter, cheese and milk and stir until cheese and butter have melted.
Add garlic, onion, hot sauce and optional green chilies and stir until mixed.
Fold in beaten eggs.
Pour into baking dish and bake 40-45 mins or until top has set and lightly puffed.
Let stand 5 minutes before serving.