Shrimp & Cheese Grits ------ Yum Yum!

If you have never eaten shrimp and cheese grits you are missing one of life's most delectable dishes.

The first time I ate it was in New Orleans, Louisiana. I knew it would remain on my favorite foods list for years to come.  I still remember it as if it happened just yesterday.  We were visiting friends, and our hostess prepared this wonderfully simple but incredibly delicious dish.  I never attempted to recreate the recipe myself for some reason still unknown to me until yesterday.  In the late '80's I was served a similar version of the dish at a luncheon. At that time I owned a bed & breakfast inn located in Wilmington, North Carolina where wonderful restaurants abounded (and probably still do) both on Wrightsville Beach and the Cape Fear River. Shrimp and Cheese Grits is a popular entree in most southern coastal cities and towns. On the Internet there are numerous recipes explaining exactly how to prepare it.  My personal preference has to be Paula Deene's recipe which I know you, your family, and your guests will enjoy.  Google Shrimp and Cheese Grits, and then click on the link to Paula Deene's recipe (or to any of many others from which to choose).  This dish is elegant enough for company, but it is also pure comfort food.  Enjoy!

The Perfect Recipes

If you enjoy entertaining friends and having them give rave reviews about your cooking, then you must try Ina Garten's recipes. Her Baked Shrimp Scampi is the perfect choice (http://www.foodnetwork.com). Do all of the preparation ahead of time, and then pop it in the oven 12 to 15 minutes before serving dinner. Accompany it with Orzo (al dente takes only 9 minutes), asparagus or haricorts verts, and Ms. Garten's Cape Cod Chopped Salad and dressing (which can be prepared early in the day). Add a scrumptious dessert such as Tiramisu, and your guests will shower you with compliments. Ina Garten's recipe books are beautiful to see, her recipes are delicious and fail-proof, and her videos are so helpful (she makes everything look so easy). In addition to viewing her recipes on the Food Network website, also visit her website at http:www.inagarten.com to see her books, more recipes, and learn more about this talented woman. I am a huge fan and think you will become one after you serve Baked Shrimp Scampi and Cape Cod Chopped Salad with her special dressing. I hope you will give me your comments after you try some of her recipes.