Gullah House Restaurant Miss Hannah's Casserole

Source: The Gullah House Restaurant, St. Helena Island, South Carolina.

5 cups water
1 1/2 pounds unpeeled, medium-size fresh shrimp
3 1/4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup regular grits, uncooked
2 large eggs, lightly beaten 
1/4 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Bring water to a boil; add shrimp, and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Drain well; rinse with cold water. Peel and de-vein shrimp; set aside.

Bring 3 1/4 cup water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan; stir in grits. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Combine eggs and milk; gradually stir into grits. Stir in shrimp, garlic and 1 cup of the cheese. Spoon into a lightly greased 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Garnish, if desired.

Yields 6 servings.