Garlic Cheese Grits

From: Culinary Institute of America Breakfasts & Brunches

2 tsp salt, divided use
1 quart water
1 C regular grits
3/4 C butter
2 1/2 C grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided use
1 C milk
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp Tabasco sauce
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Preheat the oven to 350. Butter a shallow baking dish.
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to the water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir the grits into the water and simmer until thick, 10-12 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and 1 1/2 cups cheese until melted and thoroughly combined.
Whisk together the milk, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire, Tabasco, and cayenne in a mixing bowl. Stir the egg mixture into grits until well combined. Add the remaining salt and black pepper.
Pour the grits into the buttered dish. Bake until firm, about 1 hour. Top with remaining grated cheese and place under the broiler until the cheese has melted and browned slightly, about 3 minutes. Serve the grits very hot on heated plates.