Shrimp 'N Grits with Bacon Bits and Eggs

Ingredients:

• 1 pound meaty bacon, divided
• 3 cups chicken stock or water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
• 1 cup hominy or white grits
• A drizzle olive or vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, tails left on and deveined
• Pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
• 1 rib celery with leafy tops, finely chopped
• 1 bunch scallions, finely chopped
• 2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 to 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper sauce (medium to extra-hot)
• 1/2 cup beer (I use Abita)
• 4 fried eggs

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Chop 2 slices of bacon and reserve. Arrange the rest on a slotted pan or rack-lined baking sheet and bake bacon until crisp; chop into generous bacon bits.

In a saucepot, heat stock or water, milk, a teaspoon of salt and grits, and bring to a boil. Whisk and reduce heat to a low, rolling simmer. Cook 20 minutes covered, at a simmer, whisking occasionally.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add reserved chopped bacon and render 2 minutes. Add shrimp and season with salt, pepper, cumin and thyme. Cook 2-3 minutes then add jalapeño, celery, scallions and garlic. Toss 2-3 minutes to soften then 2-3 minutes more until shrimp are pink and opaque. Douse pan with beer and hot sauce; toss with butter to emulsify.

Stir bacon bits into grits and ladle into shallow bowls. Top with a fried egg, some shrimp and serve.