Southern Food in Utrecht

[indigo_jones]

Although I may not sound Southern, I am a Southern girl at heart. I love okra, grits, cornbread, collard greens and pecan pie.  I was worried that I'd have trouble finding a few of the ingredients necessary for some of these dishes once I moved here to Utrecht, but I've been pleasantly surprised.

The outdoor market on weekends at Vredenburg has been

Comments

baking soda!

[savage_angel]

I actually found baking soda in a British shop in Utrecht. It's.... god, I don't know the streets. If you leave Hoog Catherine mall near the Xenos, turn right, go up the street by the febo.... and then I believe it's slightly right/straight to it. It's next to the Schoenen R.... something... I don't know the name of the store.

Anyway! That store had Arm and Hammer baking soda last time I was there... actually a few brands. It was directly behind the cash register. So if you haven't tried there yet I would. I didn't realize what a difference it made to baking... but my carrot cake is much much improved with it!

Re: baking soda!

[indigo_jones]

I know the Brit food shop you're talking about -- that's where I got my Karo syrup to make my pecan pie. They're crazy expensive, though. I bought a can of pumpkin puree there and it was €4.50, which is outrageous! They did have the baking soda, but by then, I'd already found it at one of the little Chinese markets there next to the Xenos at Hoog Catherine, and for half the price! They also had black-eyed peas and a variety of other food odds and ends that I'm familiar with and happy to see. I'm a happy Southerner right now. ;)

[becomingrooted]

Can you tell me more about grits?
We don't have them in Canada, as far as I know, but I really want to try them.

Do you have a specific way you like to prepare them? (Them? It?)
I've seen recipes online but I'd rather hear from someone who knows what they're talking about.

[indigo_jones]

Grits are similar to polenta, although I think they're generally more coarsely ground. Avoid the instant grits at all costs. They're an abomination. ;)

As for how to make them, I think it's roughly one part corn grits to two parts water, maybe a bit more water. Generally, it's simply a matter of adding the grits to boiling water, reduce heat to low and simmer for around 20 minutes, stirring regularly so they don't stick to the bottom of the pot. Add salt and butter and you're good to go, although y family usually throws in some grated cheese at the end to melt in with it. Some people rinse their grits before cooking, but I like a bit of texture.

Shrimp and grits is a famous dish, and grits are good with sauted onions on top, or sausage or any number of ingredients. They're good for breakfast, lunch or dinner!