GARLIC CHEESE GRITS and EASTER VIGIL COFFEE CAKE

I find it very difficult to resist a new recipe and when the call went out in church for cooks to contribute to the Easter Vigil breakfast - with recipe and pan provided - I knew that was a volunteer opportunity for me.
Even though these were both delicious for the holiday, the grits and coffee cake would be perfect for any celebration - from Saturday morning spent at home with family (which feels like something to celebrate and be thankful for in this busy life) to a festival with friends.

GARLIC CHEESE GRITS

8 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups uncooked quick grits (not instant)
2 (12 ounce) blocks of Mexican Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced

Bring water and salt to boil in a large saucepan.
Gradually stir in the grits and bring to a second boil, reduce heat and cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often.
Add the cubed Velveeta, butter, red pepper, and minced garlic to grits, stirring until melted and blended.
Pour grits into a 9 by 13 pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350F or until set and brown at the edges.
Enjoy!

EASTER VIGIL COFFEE CAKE

1 package yellow cake mix
2 (3 ounce) boxes of instant vanilla pudding
3/4 cup corn oil
3/4 cup water
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon butter flavoring
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup toasted chopped pecans
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup granulated sugar
TOPPING
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
milk, as needed

Heat oven to 350F.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding, oil, water, eggs and flavorings. Beat with an electric mixer for about 8 minutes.
Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, set aside.
In a buttered 9 by 13 baking pan, spread chopped pecans over bottom. Pour half the batter over the pecans and sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture.
Pour remaining batter and spread evenly.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until done.
Combine powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk to make a runny mixture. Drizzle topping over coffee cake.
Enjoy!