I seem to have a fixation with food here lately. But why not? We must eat every day and food should be tasty. It not only gives us nourishment, but the sight, smell and taste should appeal to our senses as well.
After achieving a significant milestone in my new job – I worked my first class as an assistant instructor — I wanted to celebrate. No longer tagging along as a third person, serving as an observer to more experienced instructors. . . I was excited and giddy after I arrived home because it was So Much FUN!!
Celebration for many people means sharing the time with friends or family. For the serious introvert such as myself, it consisted of: a walk with a friend, a special meal alone and watching an episode of a TV show I enjoy as well as a phone call with a loved one. It was enough to satisfy the social, physical, and emotional aspects necessary for me to maintain my equilibrium. Especially after a day spent interacting with students and co-workers, the thought of celebrating in a grander style was simply overwhelming.
As the title of the blog suggests, my special meal (another comfort food) was Shrimp-n-Grits. The buttery flavor combined with the smoothness of the cheese and the texture of the grits . . . just makes my heart sing!
Cheesy Shrimp-n-Grits
Ingredients
8-9 raw jumbo shrimp, peeled
1 slice yellow onion, diced
1 slice red pepper, diced
2-3 medium mushrooms, sliced
1 T. butter
Pepper
Salt
1 t. smoked paprika
1 pkg. instant grits
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
Salt and pepper shrimp to taste. In a non-stick skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the diced peppers and onions as well as the mushroom slices. Season with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Sauté for 3-5 minutes and add shrimp to pan. Cook for 2-3 min per side or until pink. While shrimp is cooking, empty instant grits into a bowl. Add a dash of salt and the water. Cook for 1 min, 10 sec on high in the microwave. Stir in shredded cheese and let melt while shrimp and vegetables finish cooking. When shrimp are pink, add them and the vegetables to the bowl of grits. Stir thoroughly and enjoy!
Again, if I were a REAL food blogger, I would include a picture of the finished product. I, however, ate half of it prior to deciding to post the recipe. Trust me, half eaten shrimp-n-grits is NOT a vision to whet your appetite.
All in all, it was not a bad day. A sense of accomplishment, a bit of fun, a relaxing 2-mile walk, a beautiful meal, a shot of Jack Ryan and a lovely phone call. Success!!
The Road Back Home 