Shrimp, Scallops and Grits

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 cups water

Salt and pepper

1 cup stone-ground grits

3 tablespoons butter

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (I love the large and jumbo shrimp at Sarasota Seafood Company. Excellent quality)

4 jumbo scallops

6 slices peppered bacon, chopped

4 teaspoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1 cup thinly sliced scallions

2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish- dehydrated okra (The Fresh market)crumbled on top or onions slivers.

Directions

1. Bring water to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Add grits and cook until water is absorbed, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese.
2. Rinse shrimp and scallops and pat dry. Fry the bacon in a large skillet until browned; drain well. In the bacon grease, add shrimp and scallops. Cook until shrimp turn pink about 2 minutes per side. Add lemon juice, chopped bacon, parsley, scallions and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes.
3. Spoon grits into a serving bowl. Add shrimp mixture and mix well. Serve immediately.