Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp and Grits

120

Minutes Prep Time

60

Minutes Cook Time

6

Servings

INGREDIENTS

CHEESE GRITS

½ cup warm water
¼ cup stone ground grits
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup cheddar cheese
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

SHRIMP & BACON

21-25 Gulf shrimp, use a raw peeled and deveined tail off shrimp
1 tablespoon Cajun spice
12 pieces smoked bacon slices

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring water to boil, add grits, bring back to boil, lower heat to simmer, add heavy cream, cover and allow to cook for about 30-40 minutes. Add cheddar cheese. Once all ingredients are fully incorporated and grits are cooked, remove and place grits on a cookie sheet to cool. Place cookie sheet in refrigerator and allow grits to completely cool and are firm to touch.

2. Chef’s Tip: Stone ground grits will take a greater amount of time, but are much better, full of flavor and stand up well in this dish.

3. WARNING: Hot grits will splatter and can cause serious burns. Be careful when preparing.

SHRIMP AND BACON

1. Rinse Shrimp and completely thaw if you purchased frozen. Toss the shrimp in Cajun seasoning and place Shrimp on a lined cookie sheet in a “ying & yang” position to help them hold their form. Since the serving size is two pieces of shrimp, each pair will be on serving. Allow shrimp to sit for 1-2 hours to marinate.

2. Prepare cheese grits according to recipe. Place on a cookie sheet and in the refrigerator. Grits will become firm when completely cooled. Cut cheese grits into ½ inch by ½ inch segments. Place Grits inside of the shrimp’s “C” and wrap tightly with bacon. Place bacon wrapped shrimp and grits in the cooler for 1-2 hours to firm up. Dust the top of the bacon wrapped shrimp and grits with Cajun blend seasoning.

3. Chef’s Tip: avoid using thick cut bacon for this recipe; it makes it difficult to get the bacon crispy and keep the shrimp from being overcooked.

4. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees F convection bake

5. Grill on the gas/propane or charcoal grill.

6. The bacon will crisp up during cooking but always be sure the shrimp is thoroughly cooked.

7. Once cooked, brush the bacon wrapped shrimp and grits with your favorite pepper jelly and serve!

NOTES

Chef’s Tip: Stone ground grits will take a greater amount of time, but are much better, full of flavor and stand up well in this dish.

WARNING: Hot grits will splatter and can cause serious burns. Be careful when preparing.