Turkey Sausage with Cheddar-Cheese Grits and Tomato Sauce

1 . Stage

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and 3/4 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add the grits in a slow stream, whisking. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the grits are very thick, about 20 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheese.

2 . Stage

Meanwhile, in a medium, nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the sausages and cook until they are just done, about 15 minutes. Remove the sausages from the pan. Add the tomatoes, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes are just heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the parsley.

3 . Stage

Serve the grits topped with the sausages and the tomato sauce.

4 . Stage

Menu Suggestion: Vegetables such as okra, lima beans or cooked greens would be perfectly in keeping with the Southern theme.

5 . Stage

Wine Recommendation: A simple, refreshing white wine is a nice contrast to the rich cheddar flavor of the grits. Try a pinot bianco from the Veneto region of Italy or a pinot blanc from Alsace in France.