Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup sharp cheddar (shredded)
• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 green onions (sliced)

Instructions

1. Bring water and milk to a boil in a heavy pot.
2. Slowly whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low.
3. Cook 25-30 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
4. Stir in butter and cheese. Season with salt and white pepper. Keep warm.
5. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon.
6. Season shrimp with salt and cayenne.
7. Add shrimp to bacon drippings and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink.
8. Remove shrimp. Add butter and garlic to pan, cook 30 seconds.
9. Add broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits.
10. Return shrimp to pan and toss to coat.
11. Serve shrimp and sauce over grits.
12. Top with bacon and green onions.