Shrimp & Grits

An easy go-to recipe when I am having friends over for dinner is my very own version of Shrimp & Grits.  As you know by now, I improvise a lot when cooking so this is not your traditional version of this dish!   I also do a lot of it ahead of time to cut down on kitchen time when friends are with me.  

Shrimp & Grits

1/2 lb.  bacon, cooked and chopped

1 TBS of cognac

2 bunches of green onion, chopped

1/2 lb mushrooms, chopped

1 large clove of garlic, chopped

1 cup of chicken stock

1 lb shrimp, peeled

1/3 cup of Orange Juice

Quick cooking grits

1 cup extra sharp cheddar, shredded

Make ahead:  

Fry the bacon until it's extra crispy.  Towards end of cooking, add the cognac.  Remove bacon and put aside.  Saute onions, mushrooms & garlic in pan and once softened, add the chicken stock and bacon back in.   Let cool and store in container in the fridge until ready to put rest of meal together!    I also peel shrimp ahead of time and put in fridge. 

Dinner time: 

Cook grits according to directions and add cheddar cheese once done.  

Saute shrimp in OJ then add vegetable mixture once cooked through.  If you like a thicker consistency, add 1 tablespoon of flour.  

For plating, place grits down first and then top with Shrimp and sauce.  Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon!  

Shrimp & Grits prep

Delicious Shrimp & Grits