Cheesy Shrimp and Grits

Adapted from recipe found here.

TOTAL TIME : 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS : 

- 2 cups milk

- 2 cups water

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 cup yellow cornmeal grits

- 1 cup shredded extra sharp white cheddar cheese

- 2 tablespoons salted butter

- 4 slices bacon, chopped

- 1 1/2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 3 tablespoons cornstarch 

- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth

- 1 cup heavy whipping cream

- 1 tablespoon butter

- salt 

- pepper

- sliced green onions 

DIRECTIONS : 

For this recipe, you will need two pans : A skillet and a medium sauce pan. I have laid out the directions in the order which I think things should be done. 

SKILLET - 

1. Cook bacon slices. Drain on paper towels and then chop. Set aside.

MEDIUM SAUCE PAN - 

3. Combine milk, water, and salt. Turn heat to high and stir occasionally until almost boiling.

4. Whisk in grits slowly. Turn heat to simmer. Cover and set timer for 15 minutes. (note: you will need to whisk the grits halfway through cooking to prevent them from getting clumpy)

SKILLET - 

5. In oil in skillet, cook shrimp on medium heat until pink. Drain on paper towels. Set aside.

6. In same oil, add onions and garlic. Cook until translucent. 

7. Have you whisked your grits? 

8. To onions and garlic, add cornstarch until combined. Add chicken broth and stir until thickened.

9. Add butter (1 TB) and stir until melted. 

10. Add heavy whipping cream, and salt & pepper to taste.

MEDIUM SAUCE PAN - 

11. When the grits are cooked, stir in (2 TB) butter and cheese. 

TO SERVE : 

Layer as follows : 

            - Cheesy Grits

            - Gravy

Garnish wish : 

             - Shrimp 

             - Bacon

             - Sliced Green Onions 

             - shredded extra sharp white cheddar cheese

NOTE : You can also add other vegetables to your dish. We happened to have spinach and mushrooms to get rid of, so I did that. Okra would be a great choice, as would bell peppers (which is very popular).