Hoppin' John's Shrimp and Grits

½ lb shrimp, peeled
2 tbsp. lemon juice, fresh
Salt to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste
3 tbsp. bacon grease
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 c. green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour
¾ to 1 c. hot water or shrimp, chicken or vegetable stock

In a bowl, sprinkle shrimp with lemon juice, salt and cayenne pepper. Heat bacon grease in a skillet and sauté the onion and pepper over medium heat until the onion becomes transparent, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle flower over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes, until the flour begins to brown. Add shrimp with the water or stock, stirring constantly in order to cook shrimp evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through and the gravy is smooth. Thin with a little extra water or stock, if necessary. Serve immediately over the grits.

Used by Permission of John Martin Taylor ©1992 Bantam Books