I'm Back and I've Got BBQ Shrimp and Grits!!

Hello dear readers! Please pardon my extended absence. I have been sick and the only thing I've been creating are NyQuil shooters. Makes for quite the fun drinking game, take a shot every time you sneeze until you pass out. (Cakegirl only jokes about this, please follow directions on all medications)

I was feeling a little southern today and woke up craving grits, cheesy grits to be specific. Oh I love them so!! Many people think that they don't like grits, but I suggest you try them this way. Grits are often thought of as bland and gritty, but if prepared properly they are delicious!

Okay hopefully I've sold you on the grits, no?? Let me sweeten the pot. Shrimp love grits, BBQ shrimp paired with cheddar cheese grits souffle'?? Amazing!

This recipe will feed 2 hungry adults with plenty of grits left over for breakfast. Serve warm with a couple fried eggs over easy. Yummo!

Let's start with the shrimp....
1 lb. shrimp
2 Tb. dry BBQ seasoning mix (my fav is KC Masterpiece, you will find this in the spice aisle)
2 Tb. Brown Sugar
2 Tb. Olive Oil

Peel and devein shrimp. I used 51-60 ct shrimp, they are less expensive. Feel free to use whatever size your budget allows, frozen is perfectly fine. Thaw under cool water in a colander with a smaller colander over the top to create a rain shower for your shrimp.

Drain and dry your shrimp. Toss with olive oil, dry BBQ seasoning, and brown sugar. Put in fridge to marinate while you prepare grits.

Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9X9 baking dish.

2 C Water
1 C Milk
3/4 C Quick Cooking Grits
3 Tb Butter
1-2 tsp. salt
1 tsp pepper
1 Tb. Dried Onion
1 C Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 Eggs
4 Slices Bacon-cooked very soft, chopped.

In saucepan add water and milk, heat on medium high until boiling. Reduce heat to medium low and whisk in grits. Stir for about 30 seconds and allow to simmer for 6-8 minutes while occasionally stirring until creamy and liquid is absorbed. Add butter and remove from heat.

In medium bowl whisk eggs and add dried onion, salt and pepper. Temper your eggs with about half a cup of your hot grits. This will prevent your eggs from scrambling. Add remaining grits and combine thoroughly. Add chopped bacon and cheddar cheese. Pour into your greased baking dish. Bake at 350 for one hour.

Your completed grits will resemble very loose scrambled eggs, don't worry they are cooked I promise. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to set up on top of stove while the shrimp cook.

Increase oven temp to 400. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In small saucepan combine 1 1/2 C Ketchup, 3/4 C Brown Sugar, and 2 Tb. Dry BBQ seasoning. Cook over very low heat while shrimp cook. This is a sweet and slightly spicy BBQ sauce. Do not overheat, keep at about a 1-2. This sauce bubbles like lava and splatters due to the high sugar content. I stress this because I speak from experience. I have cleaned this sauce off of my ceiling before, okay enough said.

Bake marinated shrimp on parchment lined baking sheet at 400 for 6-8 minutes or until they are opaque. Add 1-2 minutes for larger sized shrimp.

Spoon grits onto plate, place shrimp on top and sauce as desired. This dinner is best served with a green salad to cut the rich flavors.

Be fearless, try this dish. It's like a hug from your grandma.