Shrimp and Grits

Step 1In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of the chicken stock to a boil. Slowly stir in the grits. Return to a boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn down the heat and stir in the pepper jack, cheddar, and mascarpone. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the butter, season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep warm.

Step 2In a separate saucepan, heat the remaining 2 cups of stock until hot.

Step 3Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and some salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside. (The shrimp will finish cooking in the sauce.)

Step 4Add the bacon, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet and season with a little more salt and pepper. Cook over high heat until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the hot stock and add hot sauce to taste. Return the shrimp to the skillet with any juices that have accumulated. Cook until the shrimp are just cooked through, another 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice. Season with more salt and pepper.

Step 5To serve, spoon the shrimp and sauce over the grits and top with green onion.