Red-Eye Shrimp and Grits

Red-Eye Shrimp and Grits

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 ounces country ham or other smoked ham, chopped
8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup strong coffee
1/4 cup sherry
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste
1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
Cooked grits or cheese grits

Directions:
1. Sauté the ham in the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until golden.
2. Add the mushrooms, seasoning salt and thyme and sauté until golden, 3-5 minutes. Add the green onions and garlic and sauté 3 minutes more.
3. Mix the coffee, sherry, cornstarch and hot sauce, add to the pan and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the shrimp and simmer until cooked, about 2 minutes.
5. Serve over the grits.