Shrimp and Grits - SippitySup

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup smoked paprika
• 3 tablespoons dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper (plus more for seasoning)
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt (plus more for grits and seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon granulated onion
• 4 teaspoons dried thyme
• 4 teaspoons granulated garlic
• 30 large shrimp (about 1 ½ pounds)
• 1 stalk celery (quartered)
• 1 carrot (quartered)
• ½ onion (peeled and roughly chopped)
• 6 cloves garlic (peeled and lightly smashed)
• 1 big sprig fresh thyme
• 8 cups water (divided)
• 1 cup yellow grits (not instant)
• 5–6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• ½ cup mascarpone cheese
• 4 thick cut bacon strips (sliced crosswise into ½‑inch strips)
• 1 clove garlic (peeled and minced)
• 2 tablespoons minced jalapeno (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned and drained or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons fresh, minced chives
• 6 large eggs (optional)
• sliced sweet pepper (as garnish)