President Obama's Shrimp Bacon And Cheese Grits

Step 1: Combine the shrimp with the lemon juice and a few generous splashes of hot pepper sauce .

Step 2: Let sit while you begin the grits and gravy.

Step 3: Prepare the grits in a large heavy saucepan.

Step 4: First bringing 6 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of the salt to a boil.

Step 5: Whisk in the grits a few handfuls at a time. (They will bubble up initially.)

Step 6: When you have added all the grits, reduce the heat to a very low simmer and cook over low heat for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally at first and more frequently toward the end.

Step 7: While the grits simmer, get the gravy underway.

Step 8: Fry the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until brown but still limp.

Step 9: Stir in the onion, green pepper and garlic, and continue cooking until the onion and pepper are limp, about 5 minutes.

Step 10: Add the green onions.

Step 11: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stir, and continue sauteing for 5 minutes longer.

Step 12: Stir in the stock and salt to taste, and cook for 5 minutes longer.

Step 13: Remove from the heat while you finish the grits.

Step 14: When the grits are thick and creamy, stir in the butter, followed by the cheese.

Step 15: Add a splash of hot pepper sauce and additional salt if you like.

Step 16: Cover the grits while you finish the gravy.

Step 17: Return the gravy to medium heat and stir in the shrimp.

Step 18: Cook until the shrimp are opaque throughout, about 5 minutes.

Step 19: Season to taste.

Step 20: Serve immediately, mounding the grits in large shallow bowls or on plates, and covering them with shrimp and gravy.