Sunday Brunch Perfection: Egg Grits and Bacon Delight

Looking for the perfect Sunday brunch? Let me share with you the dish I've been perfecting over the years: scrambled eggs, grits, and bacon. It's simple yet delectable, and I love showcasing this timeless combination to friends and family.

Ingredients and Preparation

To start, I begin with a pot of grits. I use Quaker Old-Fashioned Grits and follow the directions with a slight adjustment—adding a little less than 1/4 cup of half-and-half to the water mixture, which adds a creamy texture without overwhelming the grits. I also add a bit of butter towards the end of cooking to enhance the flavor. Stirging frequently while the grits simmer is key, and I usually need to add a bit more water since grits can be finicky. For the best results, simmer them a little longer than the recommended 20 minutes, followed by adding about a tablespoon of butter and stirring well.

Preparing the Bacon

While the grits are cooking (around 15 minutes), I start on the bacon. I use applewood-smoked bacon, which I purchase in generous slices at Whole Foods. I keep a supply in the freezer, unwrapped in plastic and butcher paper, which makes them easy to thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Once thawed, I cook the bacon in a separate pan and use paper towels to press it and remove excess fat, ensuring a crispy, delectable result.

Putting It All Together

After the bacon is done, the real magic happens as I scramble the eggs in the bacon grease. I serve this immediately on plates with hot grits and crispy bacon, and it's a feast for the senses. The combination of the creamy grits, succulent bacon, and perfectly scrambled eggs is hard to resist, and I often receive genuine compliments on how great my brunch is.

Leftovers and Uses

I like to save any leftover bacon grease for future culinary adventures. I strain it through a paper towel, much like a Chemix filter, and store it in a canning jar in the fridge. This homemade bacon grease is fantastic for cooking eggs without bacon or adding a rich flavor to greens. It lasts for a long time, and I find it surprisingly versatile.

Hong Kong-Style Dim Sum Fountain

While I love my traditional egg grits and bacon brunch, I also enjoy a bit of variety. For a different twist, I prefer the Hong Kong-style dim sum served from carts at Hollywood East Cafe in Wheaton, Maryland. The offerings include a big dish of steamed vegetables with fresh garlic, fish filets, and roasted meats. This style of dim sum is a delightful addition to brunch and is perfect for sharing with others.