New orleans bbq shrimp and grits

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 12 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 pound fresh or frozen large shrimp in shells, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked grits
• To garnish, diced green onions and diced bacon

Instructions

1. In a large cast-iron skillet, combine olive oil, butter, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme.
2. In a medium bowl, combine sherry, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and kosher salt.
3. Add shrimp. Toss to combine. Add shrimp mixture to the hot skillet.
4. Add diced tomatoes and cook and stir shrimp for about 2 minutes then add in heavy cream and turn heat down to reduce and thicken sauce.
5. Serve shrimp over cooked grits and garnish with diced green onions and bacon.