Bloody Mary Shrimp and Grits

There are very few food items in this world that I dislike. Eel, persimmons, and whiskey come to mind immediately. Ick. I'm really not picky, and will typically try anything. But some things just sound... terrible. Bloody mary's? I don't understand how people drink those. A V8 alone is repulsive, so why of why would you add vodka to that? You people don't seriously find those yummy, right? It's just like a cult, right? Like a big fat joke on society? I just can't get behind bloody mary's.

But I can get behind Bloody Mary Shrimp and Grits.

EDITORS NOTE: i just re-read this in August 2015 and have to say that as of today, 2 of my top 5 favorite drinks are whisky and blood marks. Funny how we change so much in so little time. xo

Bloody Mary Shrimp & Grits
for four

Grits
2 cups tomato-based vegetable juice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp EVOO
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 cup white grits (not quick)
1/4 c. shredded parmesan/romano blend
2 tbsp butter

Shrimp
2 tsp EVOO
1 small white onion, finely diced
3 stalks celery, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c vegetable broth
1 tsbp worcestershire sauce
3 heavy dashes Tabasco
1/2 tsp celery seeds
1 bag frozen shrimp, rinsed and defrosted (tail-on, peeled, de-veined, large)
healthy amount of cracked black pepper
salt to tast
corn starch slurry (1 tsp corn starch+2 tsp cold water)
4 green onions, diced

In a pot, heat veg juice and broth with garlic, onion powder, and EVOO.

Once liquid comes to a boil, stir in grits. Bring back up to a boil, then reduce heat to as low as possible, cover, and stir every 2-3 minutes for 25 minutes. 

Meanwhile, heat EVOO in a saute pan and saute garlic, onion, and celery.

Once softened, add broth, worcestershire, tabasco, and celery seeds and reduce heat to medium-low.

Add in shrimp and nestle them into the brothy sauce. Taste and add S&P.

Meanwhile, in grits land, add in cheese and butter and stir quickly for about 20 seconds, or until cheese and butter are melted and distributed evenly. Remove from heat!

Tighten up your shrimp broth with a corn starch slurry and top with green onions.

  

You might be wondering where the vodka is in this bloody mary. Why, it is on the side, of course, in your daily martini!