This beautiful Southern Chocolate Grits n Berries recipe is so simple and delicious that you wish you had made it sooner. You are combining delicious ripe fresh berries, grits, cocoa powder, pure vanilla, a touch of granulated sugar, and cream for a breakfast that’s hearty, filling, and ready to eat in no time flat.
When my son Kory was little, I moved back down South to Sunny Florida. Unfortunately, after moving here, one of the things that seemed to irk my son was that I couldn’t find his favorite morning breakfast item, “CoCo Wheats” I searched high and low in every store I went into the shop, but still nothing. I felt defeated as a mom telling him I couldn’t find them and was almost ready to order them if I could to keep the peace.
One day at the market, I decided to pick up a bag of “Quick Grits” to make my favorite go-to grits recipe, Creamy Shrimp and Grits, and it hit me, I couldn’t make My son Chocolate grits. I had all the ingredients on hand, and what the heck, it couldn’t hurt to give it to the old scholar to attempt to see if he liked them. I lucked out. Kory loved them. Go, Mom!!!
I have to share with you all that this delicious and simple-to-make recipe for Southern Chocolate Grits n Berries was the best idea I ever had that day, and Kory and I have been enjoying this yummy meal on busy mornings for years now. We love the chocolate flavor, the texture of the creamy grits, and the fabulous taste of this recipe, and I am betting you will too.
What Are Grits?
Grits are food made by boiling ground maize, aka corn. Grits are of Native American origin and are similar to other thick maize-based porridges worldwide, such as polenta. Modern grits are commonly made of alkali-treated corn known as hominy, called “hominy grits.” “Instant grits” and “quick grits” use hominy processed for faster cooking, widely sold in supermarkets. Grits are usually made from hominy, called “hominy grits.” “Instant grits” and “Quick Grits” use hominy that has been processed for faster cooking and is sold in most supermarkets.
Did you know?
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Grits are from the Native American culture and are similar to other known thick maize-based porridges worldwide, such as polenta.
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Almost three-quarters of grits sold in the United States are in the South, stretching from the state of Texas to Virginia, also known as the “Grits Belt.”
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The state of Georgia declared grits its official prepared food in 2002. Similar bills have been introduced in South Carolina.
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The word grits originates from the Old English word “grytt,” meaning coarse meal.
Eating grits is almost a strict religion to the Southerners, and in most old-school Southern homes, breakfast without grits is utterly unthinkable. Of course, many traditionalists would never consider using quick cook grits in the South. However, mothers with children, full-time jobs, and errands understand that making long-cook stone-ground grits may not be much of an option Monday- Friday.
Ingredients needed for Southern Chocolate Grits n Berries
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Four cups of water
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1/2 of a teaspoon of salt
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One tablespoon of real butter
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One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
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One and 1/2 tablespoons of baking cocoa powder
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Two cups of quick cook grits
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Granulated sugar to your taste
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Half and half dairy cream or whole milk
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fresh raspberries
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fresh blackberries
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fresh mint optional
Southern Chocolate Grits n Berries
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons real butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons baking cocoa powder
- 2 cups quick cook grits
- granulated sugar to taste
- warm half and half dairy cream or whole milk
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 2 cusp fresh blackberries
- 4-6 sprigs fresh mint
Instructions
- In a medium metal pot, bring the water, and salt to a full boil.
- Then add 2 tablespoons of butter, pure vanilla extract, and cocoa powder to the boiling water.
- Slowly stir the quick cook grits into the boiling mixture. Stir continuously and thoroughly until grits are well mixed.
- Let the pot return to a boil, cover the pot with a lid, lower the temperature, and cook for about 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally. Add more water if you find it necessary to thin the grits further.
- Sweeten the grits with granulated sugar to your own taste.
- Ladle while still hot into bowls, add a touch of whole milk or half and half dairy cream, top with fresh raspberries and blackberries, garnish with fresh mint if desired.
Nutrition
© Heidy L. McCallum and The McCallum’s Shamrock Patch, 2022-2013. Unauthorized use and duplication of content/ material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given to Heidy L. McCallum and The McCallum’s Shamrock Patch with proper and specific directions to the original content.
Thank you so much for sharing this modern take on Grits, we really enjoyed them.
Thanks so much for voicing your thoughts on this recipe, Kay! Have an awesome day!!!
Guys, Thanks For sharing this Great Recipe. My Family Loved it. I am definitely sharing this recipe and this website with my friend. Hope they also love it. Thank you again for sharing such a great recipe.
Thank you, Ashok
I’ve never tried grits, but I would love to taste this sweet version called Chocolate Grits and Berries because it looks delicious!
Hi there Julia
Grits are awesome but as I told Erika, they are a love-hate relationship at times—this is a good place to start to see if you like the texture.
I love this indulgent version of grits with both chocolates and berries! So good!
Thank you, Emily. I appreciate you sharing feedback.
I’ve never had grits before, but this Chocolate Grits and Berries looks amazing. Definitely going to try it!
Good morning Erica
Sometimes grits can be a love-hate relationship, but this is a good way to see if you like the texture before venturing off to another grits recipe that’s more costly.
Ok this is just brilliant ~ I think I’m going to surprise the family with it this weekend, although I’ll probably use some citrus fruit in place of berries.
Thank you, Sue
I hope your family enjoys the recipe. Citrus would be awesome in the recipe.
I never tried chocolate grits before and I’m so glad I did! This recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast. Thanks for sharing!
Good morning, Ana F.
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a wonderful comment. I was thrilled to hear you enjoyed the grits recipe.
These look delish!! I’ve only ever tried grits once and they were plain so I didn’t really get to experience the see that they are. I’m thinking these need to make an appearance asap in this little ole kitchen of mine!!
Thank you, Alli, you are going to love these! So darn good!