Creole Shrimp And Grits - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs unpeeled medium raw shrimp (26-30 count)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 teaspoons creole seasoning
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups uncooked quick-cooking grits

Preparation

Peel shrimp, reserving shells; devein shrimp, if desired. Bring shells and 4 cups of water to boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes. Pour shrimp broth through a colander over a large bowl, pressing shells with back of a spoon; discard shells.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat; stir in flour, and cook, stirring constantly until flour is caramel colored, about 8-10 minutes. Add onion and next three ingredients, and cook, stirring often, 5-7 minutes or until tender. Stir in 2 cups shrimp broth, tomato paste, and next 4 ingredients. Reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, 45 minutes. Add shrimp and cook 10 minutes, stirring in 1/4 to 1/2 cup remaining shrimp broth to reach desired consistency.
Meanwhile, bring milk, 2 1/2 cups water, and salt to boil in a saucepan over high heat. Gradually stir in grits. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10-12 minutes or until thickened. Serve Creole Shrimp over grits.