Easy Creamy Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

How to Make

• Step 1: Shrimp ... Remove the shrimp from the refrigerator, peel and deveined. Many times, you can buy them already this way right from the store; if this is the case; make sure to thaw in a colander if frozen, so they are NOT sitting in water as they thaw. Once they are rinsed and drained well, add to a large bowl with the lemon juice, hot sauce (if you don't like spicy, use only 1 teaspoon, more if you like some spice; I suggest 1 teaspoon if you are not sure. Mix well and let them rest as you prepare the grits. NO more than 15-20 minutes.

• Step 2: Sauce ... Cook the bacon in a non stick pan on medium heat (you shouldn't need any oil if it is cooked slowly). Once the bacon is done, transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain. Then add in the onions and peppers to the pan and saute until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the garlic and scallions and cook another minute.

• Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook another couple of minutes to combine, and to get rid of the 'raw' flour taste. Stir in the broth and bring to a light boil, reduce the heat to medium low, add the shrimp, cream, and stir until thickened and the shrimp become firm to the touch and pink. The shrimp will not take more than 3-5 minutes (depending on the size). You can always a bit more broth if you prefer a thinner sauce.

• Step 4: Grits ... I use quick cooking grits, so make sure to follow the pkg directions. Different brands may have different directions, so just check. Approximately 6 cups of water, is what I find most quick cooking grits will call for using 1 1/2 cups of grits. Add the water, 1 teaspoon of salt to a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the grits, and stir until combined. Most directions call to reduce to medium heat and continue to stir and cook until done. Again ... follow the package directions. Finish right before serving with the cheese. Start with 1 1/2 cups, you can add more if you want; but I find 1 1/2 cups is plenty; also add salt, pepper, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce to taste.

• Step 5: Note: The shrimp sauce and the grits will take approximately the same amount of time to cook; but you can cook the grits vs and keep them warm. Just don't add the cheese or seasonings until right before serving. Simply cover the grits and keep off the heat until ready to finish and serve.

• Step 6: Serve ... Finish the grits with the cheese, hot sauce, paprika, salt and pepper and stir until the cheese is melted. You may have to add them back to the heat for just a minute. You can also add a bit of cream or broth to the grits if you like them very soft (personal preference). Serve the grits in a bowl and top with the creamy shrimp. Finish with fresh parsley; and for my friends ... more hot sauce. ENJOY!