In a medium-sized pot, pour 1 cup water and 3/4 cup heavy cream. Now add in the butter or margarine and sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Place the pot on the stovetop and turn the heat to high. Once the liquid starts to boil, immediately turn the heat down to medium.
3/4 cup heavy cream, 1 cup water, 3 tbsp butter or margarine, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt
Stir the liquid, and gradually sprinkle in the grits. Let the grits cook until they thicken, and be sure to stir occasionally.
3/4 cup quick grits
Once the grits are done, add in the shredded cheese, stir, and turn the heat down to low.
2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Make the White Gravy:
Place a skillet on the stovetop, and add in the bacon. Cook the bacon until it's crisp and the fat is rendered. Remove the crisp bacon from the skillet but leave the fat. Sprinkle in the onions and let them cook for 2 minutes on medium heat. Remove the onions OR leave them in the pan.
Next, sprinkle in the all purpose flour, and stir. Let cook for 3 minutes.
2 tbsp all purpose flour
Pour 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup water along with the flour and bacon fat. Mix until it's creamy then toss is the shrimp.
1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup water
Cook the Shrimp:
Season the shrimp with the old bay seasoning and red pepper flakes.
1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 lb white tail shrimp
Cook the shrimp in the white gravy for 2-4 minutes (the heat should still be on medium).
Place the grits in a bowl, then add the shrimp on top with a little of the white gravy. Sprinkle the crisp bacon on top of the shrimp (and parsley flakes if you choose), and serve!