Shrimp and Grits with Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup grits
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, finely grated
• 8 ounces bacon, chopped
• 20 medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup scallion, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Put the butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the onion and cook it until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Raise the heat to high, then add the milk and water. Bring the liquid to a boil, whisking in the grits gradually as it heats. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring now and then, for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the cheese until smooth and melted, then season with salt and pepper and move the grits off to the side.
2. Place the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook until crisp and deeply golden. Transfer it to paper towels to drain, then discard the drippings except for 3 tablespoons.
3. Return the skillet to medium-high heat. When the pan is just shy of smoking, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 1 1/2 minutes on each side.
4. Spoon the cheese grits into a bowl, then add the shrimp, bacon, and scallions on top. Finish with salt and pepper to taste.