Southern Grits Casserole

6 cups water
2 cups uncooked grits
1/2 cup butter
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 pound ground pork sausage
12 eggs
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking dish. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, and stir in grits. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 5 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed. Mix in 1/2 the butter and 2 cups cheese until melted.

In a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until evenly browned. Drain, and mix into the grits. In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. Stir into the grits mixture.

Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot with remaining butter, and top with remaining cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned.

Makes 16 servings