Paula Deen's Grits Pie

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great holiday. I had a very nice Christmas. Christmas is always merrier when there are little ones around. This was my first Christmas as a grandma. My youngest is also 10 so Christmas is a very exciting time around here! We are supposed to be going away to Chincoteague for the new year tomorrow and I am just hoping we don't have any snow or ice. I don't like driving in that. Keeping my fingers crossed.

This recipe was another husband request. Do you like grits? I'm not crazy about grits at all and never even heard of them till I married my husband. We don't have grits up north. Maybe farina or cream of wheat....grits is similar to that. However, this pie is really great. I love it! Paula has come through for me once again. I had my doubts but shouldn't have. It's so easy to make. If you like custard pie, then you will like this. Custard pie is one of my favorites. The only thing different with this is the texture. If you want to try a different pie, then give this one a shot. It's easy and really good.

Hope all of you have a very happy and healthy New Year!!! I'll see you all again in 2010!!!!

3/4 cup water
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup quick cooking grits
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3 large eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 cup buttermilk (I used lowfat)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) frozen pie shell, thawed
Whip cream, any fruit, optional

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the grits and cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the butter and cook for 1 additional minute. Set aside and cool slightly.
In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. Slowly stir into the cooled grits. Pour into the pie shell and bake for 35 - 40 minutes or unti set. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream and fruit as garnish, if desired.