Shrimp Grits Pickled Jalapeño Fried Egg Food

FRIED PICKLED JALAPENOS

Steps:

• Serving suggestions: sour cream and shredded iceberg or Romaine lettuce
• Combine the cheeses in a small bowl. Using a paring knife, make an incision the length of each jalapeno (don't cut the peppers in half). Remove the seeds then carefully fill each pepper with cheese. Dip the stuffed peppers in buttermilk then roll them in flour. (If you prefer a thicker crust, repeat the process.)
• Fill a large frying pan with about 3 inches of oil and heat over medium-high until a thermometer registers a temperature of 350 degrees F. (The oil temperature can also be tested by dripping a little water into the oil. If the oil sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.)
• Working in batches, fry the peppers, turning them once or twice, until they are crisp and golden. Drain the peppers on paper towels. Let them cool for about 10 minutes then serve them on a bed of shredded lettuce topped with sour cream.

SHRIMP & GRITS

Steps:

• For grits:
• Bring 3 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits. Turn heat to low; gently simmer until grits begin to thicken. Continue cooking, stirring often and adding water by 1/4 cupfuls if too thick, until tender, about 1 hour. Stir in cheese, butter, and jalapeño, then cream. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
• For shrimp:
• Meanwhile, heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add tasso; sauté until fat begins to render, about 5 minutes (if tasso is very lean, add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet). Add garlic and 1 tablespoon butter; stir until butter melts. Add shrimp. When garlic begins to brown, add beer and chicken stock. Simmer until shrimp is cooked through, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; set aside.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoom butter to skillet; swirl to melt and cover bottom of pan. Crack eggs into pan and cook until whites are just set but yolks are still runny, about 3 minutes.
• Divide grits among bowls, forming a well in center. Spoon shrimp mixture into center of grits. Top with egg. Sprinkle tarragon over.