Tag: #bacon

Creamy Shrimp & Grits

I had grits for the first time when I started going to South Carolina, about 4 years ago. I never really thought about making them myself, and I never really thought I’d actually like them. Boy, was I wrong! I love them. After my trip was canceled this year due to Covid, I decided to try and make some grits myself! These are simple to make, I just used quick grits for the time. Hey, it was my first time…cut me some slack!! Ha Ha! Honestly, even with using the quick grits, they were DELICIOUS and took half the time. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did. Give it a go!

Ingredients:
Quick Creamy Grits:
1 cup quick grits
4 cups chicken broth, low sodium or water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 T butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

1lb medium shrimp, cleaned and deveined
1 large red pepper, diced
3/4 cup cooked corn, (I used cooked corn on cob, but can also use frozen thawed corn)
4 slices bacon, crispy cooked & chopped
3 green onion, sliced (both green and white parts)
2 t chili powder
2 t paprika
1 t cayenne pepper, optional
1 t onion powder
1 t garlic powder
2 T olive oil
1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper

Directions: In a medium sauce pan add in 4 cups of chicken broth, bring to a boil. Once boiling, slowly stir in the grits. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and cook about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the grits have thickened add in the butter, cheddar cheese and cream. Mix until cheese is completely melted and the grits are creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside.

Heat a large sauté pan on medium high heat. Season the shrimp with chili powder, paprika, cayenne and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add in 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and let heat 1 minute. Add the shrimp into the pan, cook about 3-4 minutes on each side until shrimp is pink and has a nice golden crust and shrimp is cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Next add in the last tablespoon of olive oil and let heat 1 minute. Next add in the red pepper and cook until peppers are slightly tender (or to your preference) about 3-4 minutes. Then add in the cooked corn, season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder and put the shrimp back into the pan. Let heat 2 minutes on low.

To assemble the shrimp and grits, add a large spoonful of grits to a bowl. Top with cooked shrimp, the peppers and corn mixture, chopped bacon and chopped green onion, serve!



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Bacon & Mozarella Stuffed Meatballs

Homemade meatballs are so delicious and easy to make. You can mix it up and really make them your own! These meatballs are a pretty basic recipe with a twist. You can use any ground meat you like. Beef, pork, veal, turkey and chicken. I personally prefer beef meatballs and sometimes I add in ground pork as well. My recipe calls for little fresh mozzarella balls and bacon. When you cut into them you taste that salty bacon and the mozzarella is nice and gooey! They are delicious!

Bacon & Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Ingredients:
Meatballs:
2lbs ground beef (could use 1lb beef & 1lb of pork)
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
1/2-3/4 cup Romano or Parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 T Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 small onion, grated or very finely chopped
1/4 cup water or milk
1 T olive oil
2 t Italian seasoning
2 t kosher salt
2 t pepper

Extras:
6-8 slices bacon, cooked, chopped in half inch pieces
8-10 oz fresh mozzarella pearl balls
2 T olive oil, for frying

Directions: Preheat oven 350°. In a large mixing bowl add in all the ingredients above for the meatballs. Next using your hands mix meat until fully incorporated with ingredients. Using a large scoop or melon baller form meat into balls. Flatten out the balls and add in 1-2 pearl mozzarella balls and 1-2 pieces of bacon and roll into a ball. The meatballs should be golf ball size. Add to a baking sheet covered with foil. Continue with all the meat.

Options for cooking is either pan fry on the stove or you can bake in the oven. Sometimes I like to sauté in a pan to get a nice brown exterior and then finish baking through in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. To bake in the oven only cook for 30-35 minutes depending on the size. The meatballs should get nice and golden brown. Serve either on their own or with pasta.

Notes: You may need more bacon and mozzarella depending on how big the meatballs are. If you can’t find the pearl balls you can use any other cheese or fresh mozzarella and cut into small pieces.



garlicandoliveoilveins