Cheese Grit-and-Chive Muffins

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease 24 cups of a miniature muffin pan with butter.

Whisk together flour and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter in another bowl. Fold grits into egg mixture. Add grits mixture to flour mixture, and stir well. Stir in cheese, chives, and a healthy pinch of ground red pepper to taste.

Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about three-fourths full. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until muffins are golden brown and separating from edges of pan.