shrimp & grits

Oh, we've been wanting to try Shrimp & Grits for years now. Probably just the novelty of it since we couldn't be further from the American south. So we had Saucy Shrimp & Grits from Everyday Food Light.

I can tell, this must be one of those meals that is strictly comfort food for people who grew up enjoying it. I don't have an appreciation for it and neither did the rest of the family. First, we had to shop in the US to find good grits. We made the grits according to the box's directions, but added about 3 oz of aged white cheddar. This was actually a step not indicated in the recipe, but thank goodness we did, because it was the saving grace. We all love shrimp and it was perfectly cooked tender, but something about all these ingredients together just doesn't work. I'm starting to get worried about this Everyday Food Light book...