Season the rabbit with the Essence.

Heat the oil in a large saute pan or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the rabbit and brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Add the onions, peppers, chili powder, cumin and salt, and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Return the rabbit to the pan. Add the pureed sunflower seeds, chicken stock and vinegar, and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, until the rabbit is tender and falling from the bone, about 1 1/2 hours.

Remove the rabbit from pan and garnish with whole sunflower seeds and parsley and serve over Charleston style grits, with the sauce spooned over the top.

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup

Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

In a large, heavy saucepan bring the water to a boil. Add a generous teaspoon of salt and the grits and stir with a wooden spoon to combine. When grits thicken add milk, cream and butter and return to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover sauce pan and cook for 45 minutes to one hour, until grits are tender, smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper.