Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Lowcountry Delight

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
• 1 cup (160g) stone-ground grits (not instant)
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (113g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your call!)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup (57g) Andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (2g) smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons (10g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste