Jim's Shrimp and Cheese Grits (serves 8)

Grits: bring the cream to a gentle boil in a large saucepan. Add the butter, garlic, salt, seasoning, and grits. Cook until creamy (30+ min), then add the cheeses a little at a time and cook about 15 minutes more.

Shrimp: marinate the shrimp in hot sauce 10–15 minutes. Combine the flour, cornstarch, seafood spice, black pepper, cayenne, salt, and paprika. Dredge the shrimp, shake off excess, and pan-fry in small batches 2–3 minutes until golden; drain and keep warm.

Mushroom sauce: sauté the jalapeño, then the mushrooms, in butter until softened. Add the diced ham and cook 2 minutes. Add the wine and reduce until thickened; season with salt and pepper.

Assemble: ladle the grits into a bowl, spoon the mushroom sauce over, and top with shrimp. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.