That’s what our kids used to call hominy. Hominy, in case you don’t know, is corn kernels soaked in lye so the hulls come off. Then the lye and hulls are washed away. If the kernels are then dried and coarsely ground, you get grits. If they’re boiled, you get hominy. You wouldn’t think Little Miss City Girl would like hominy, but I do. You might like it, too, if you fix it this way:

HOMININY

• canned hominy, drained
• butter or margarine
• Jane’s Crazy Mixed Up Salt or other seasoning

Melt butter or margarine in a skillet. Add drained hominy and salt (or whatever). Cook, stirring frequently, until hominy is hot and most of the liquid is gone and butter or margarine is absorbed.

WRITING PROMPT: What food are your main character’s friends surprised he or she likes or longs for?

MA