Tea 3: Cooking and "New Starts" : September 2013

I had the recent pleasure of trying some wonderful products from a North Carolina based company. To call them a company does not seem to really describe what they are , I think Artisans would be a more fitting word. The Old Mill of Guilford was founded in 1767 and still today stone grinds their grains. Over the years the mill has expanded their product line but still puts the care and love into their products that is expected from a local mill.

In addition to stone ground grits they produce several mixes that include: pancakes, muffins, scones, cookies and gingerbread. They also have a southern staple: hushpuppy mix and several different flours. You can not go wrong with any of their natural products.

I tried four of their most popular products.
Unbleached White Grits, Sweet Potato Muffin Mix, Buttermilk Whole Wheat Pancake Mix and Gingerbread Mix.

First up is their unbleached white grits:

GRITS

I Added 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup cream to a heavy dutch oven, over medium high heat and brought it to a boil. Once at a boil I added 1 cup grits and stirred together and brought the mixture back to a boil. As soon as it is at a boil reduce heat to simmer, covered and cooked for 20-25 minutes until tender. I whisked in cheese & black pepper and plated. I did not add salt because the cheese and chicken broth gives enough salt for my taste but you can add salt at this point if needed. There are many add ins that go great with these grits:(jalapenos, bacon, ham, butter , really anything that you like) but these grits are wonderful on their own also.

Sweet Potato Muffin Mix

This mix reminds me of fall. The fragrance and flavor of the sweet potatoes comes through without being overly sweet.

This mix makes fool proof pancakes that are light and fluffy. ( my daughter made these pancakes and they turned out great)

When I opened the shipping box the fragrance of the gingerbread filled the room, This mix smells like the holidays and was amazing. Within an hour of getting this mix a batch of gingerbread was in the oven. I left it to cool and came back to find that it had been eaten and only a small piece and crumbs were left before I could take a picture. This Gingerbread mix is a must for Thanksgiving and Christmas baking.

The Old Mill of Guilford recently had their grits featured as the secret ingredient in the Fire In the City competition.
  http://www.competitiondining.com/

You can check out the battle at competition dining website. There are some amazing photos of unique uses of the Mill's Grits from the official competition site.

Battle Old Mill of Guilford Stone Ground Grits
David Bettendorf, River's Edge, Charlotte
Brian Mottola, Emeril's Eatery, Charlotte