Combine chicken base and water in large pot and bring to simmer over medium high heat
3 cups water, 1 tsp Better than Bouillon Chicken Flavor
Add half and half, butter, salt & pepper to pot.
1 cup half & half, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
Bring to a boil, slowly add grits to pot, stirring constantly.
1 cup grits
Cook until grits begin to thicken, remove from heat and grits will continue to cook, stir occasionally.
While grits are cooking - In separate skillet - cook bacon on medium heat until slight browned. Remove bacon and lay on paper towel. Once cooled - crumble and set aside.
2 strips bacon
Add ham, onions and peppers to skillet with bacon grease and cook until onions & peppers are softened. Remove from heat.
1/4 cup diced ham, 1/4 cup diced onion, 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
Add tomatoes and stir. Set aside 1/4 cup of sauteed veggies
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
Add remaining vegetables to grits
Add gouda and stir
1/2 cup shredded gouda
Top with veggies you set aside and crumbled bacon