CAJUN SHRIMP AND GRITS

Preparation:

1 tablespoon olive oil 

2 ounces tasso ham, minced (1/2 cup) 

1 cup chopped onion ...

1 garlic clove, minced 

36 medium shrimp, peeled 

Teaspoon Cajun seasoning 

2 1/4 cups water, divided 

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 

1 cup fat-free milk 

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits 

4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup) 

1/2 cup sliced green onions 

Preparation:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tasso; sauté 2 minutes or until edges are golden. Add onion; sauté 2 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add shrimp to pan, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and cook 3 minutes, turning once. Add 1/4 cup water, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Remove from heat; add butter, stirring to melt. Cover and keep warm.

2. Bring milk, salt, and 2 cups water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat. Gradually add grits, and cook until thick and bubbly (about 5 minutes), stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove grits from heat; add cheese, stirring with a whisk until cheese melts.

3. Spoon grits evenly onto 6 plates. Top evenly with shrimp, ham mixture, and green onions.