SAVORY SHRIMP AND GRITS CUPCAKES

Savory Shrimp and Grits Cupcakes image

Provided by Kitchen Dreaming

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 16

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FOR THE CUPCAKES
2 c flour, all-purpose
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/2 stick butter, unsalted, melted
1 c stone ground grits, prepared per pkg
1 c cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c scallions, chopped
1/4 c milk
FOR THE TOPPING
6 oz tasso ham
12 large shrimp, peeled, deveined and roasted with creole seasoning
1 Tbsp creole seasoning (to season the shrimp)
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add grits, eggs, melted butter, cheese, scallions and milk until just combined. **The dough will be VERY sticky. This is normal.
4. Drop by spoonfuls into lightly greased (regular sized) muffin tins. I think these would be great as mini muffins as well but have not timed the baking for this change. Bake for about 15 minutes** or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean. **Oven times may vary
5. Grind tasso ham in a food processor until finely chopped.
6. Cream together the cream cheese and the ham mixture.
7. Put a dollop of tasso ham mousse on top of each cupcake and top with one grilled or roasted shrimp.
8. NOTES: We found that leftover grits or grits which had come to room temperature worked the best in the dough formation. We also like these muffins best served fresh from the oven.