GARLIC CHEESE GRITS CASSEROLE

Living in South Carolina we ate grits a few times every week.  They were offered at every meal at every restaurant!  I love my grits sweetened with some brown sugar and milk, but my mom always loved the cheesey version!

INGREDIENTS:
4 c water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 c quick cooking grits
2 Tbsp butter
1 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese, divided
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 c milk

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large saucepan bring the water to a boil. Add the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Gradually stir in the grits. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and 1 cup of cheese until melted.
3. In a small bowl mix the eggs with the milk. Stir the mixture into the grits. Pour the grits into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
4. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.