Cheesy grits are a staple of Southern cuisine, embodying comfort, simplicity, and rich flavor. Former President Jimmy Carter, a proud son of the South, has long embraced his Georgian roots, including his love for classic Southern dishes like cheesy grits.
This dish, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a side, reflects Carter’s connection to his upbringing and the agricultural traditions of the South.
Jimmy Carter’s Upbringing: From Peanut Farm to Politics
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter grew up in a modest, rural environment. His father, James Earl Carter Sr., was a successful farmer, while his mother, Lillian Carter, was a nurse known for her commitment to equality and public service.
Carter’s childhood was deeply tied to the rhythms of farm life, and food played a central role in shaping his early experiences. Southern staples like grits were not just food but a way of life—filling, nourishing, and easy to prepare with locally grown ingredients like corn.
After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Carter served as a naval officer before returning to Plains to manage the family’s peanut farm. This return to his roots solidified Carter’s deep connection to rural Georgia and the Southern food traditions he loved.
His Rise to the Presidency: From Governor to the White House
Carter’s political career began in the Georgia State Senate in the 1960s, where he made a name for himself as a progressive voice in the South. Elected Governor of Georgia in 1970, Carter was a champion of civil rights and environmental conservation.
His 1976 campaign for the presidency capitalized on the American people’s desire for a fresh start following the Watergate scandal. Carter’s promise of honesty, transparency, and government reform resonated with voters, propelling him to a victory over incumbent President Gerald Ford.
An Overview of His Presidency: Achievements and Challenges
Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, a tenure marked by both notable successes and significant challenges. One of his most lasting achievements was the Camp David Accords, which established peace between Egypt and Israel.
Domestically, however, Carter’s presidency was plagued by economic struggles, including inflation, rising unemployment, and the energy crisis. The Iran Hostage Crisis, where 52 American diplomats were held hostage for 444 days, overshadowed much of his presidency and contributed to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Despite these struggles, Carter’s post-presidential years cemented his legacy as one of the most dedicated humanitarian figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. His work through the Carter Center, his efforts in global health initiatives, and his dedication to promoting peace earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter’s Love of Cheesy Grits: A Taste of the South
Carter’s affection for cheesy grits connects him to his Southern roots. Grits, made from ground corn, have long been a dietary staple in the South, reflecting the agricultural economy that Carter grew up in. He actually even named his dog after the iconic southern dish.
Adding cheese to grits elevates the dish, giving it a creamy texture and a rich flavor that makes it both comforting and satisfying. For Carter, cheesy grits were likely a reminder of simpler times spent with family, eating meals that reflected the land and the labor that supported them.
Even as he rose to the highest office in the country, Carter’s love for classic Southern food like cheesy grits remained a constant, grounding him in his Georgia heritage.
Cheesy Grits
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth for extra flavor
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sour cream or chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Slowly stir in the grits, reducing the heat to low. Simmer, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until the grits are thickened and smooth.
- Stir in the butter, cheese, and milk (or heavy cream) until the cheese is fully melted and the grits are creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, topped with sour cream or chopped green onions if desired.
Video
Notes
- Use Stone-Ground Grits for Authentic Flavor: Stone-ground grits give the dish a more authentic and rustic texture compared to instant grits. They require more cooking time but are worth the effort for the flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Swap out water for chicken broth or vegetable broth for a richer, more flavorful base.
- Toppings: Customize the grits by adding toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a fried egg for extra heartiness and texture.