To cook the grits, bring the milk to a gentle boil in a heavy pan.Slowly add the grits and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Boil the grits long and slow – 30 minutes or more – whisking occasionally at first to avoid lumps, then frequently as they thicken. Take care that the grits don’t catch on the bottom of the pan and burn!
Remove the grits from the heat once they are thick and creamy. Add butter, salt, pepper and optional cheese to finish. Set aside.
To cook the shrimp, season them with Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice and set aside.
Heat a skillet (frying pan) over a medium-high heat. Add the bacon and sauté for 10–12 minutes, until the fat is rendered.
Remove the bacon from the skillet (frying pan) and set it aside. Drain all but 2 tbs of the fat from the skillet (frying pan).
Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until it browns slightly.
Add vegetables of your choice and cook until just tender.
Add the shrimp and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until they are pink.
Return the bacon to the skillet (frying pan) and remove the pan from the heat.
To serve, scoop 1 cup of grits into each of four shallow bowls.
Divide the shrimp mixture among the bowls.
Garnish with whichever combination of green onion, tomato, parsley, or smoked paprika you favour that day.