Shrimp-&-Grits-Stuffed Peppers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Bring water and broth to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in grits and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and hot sauce (if using). Cover to keep warm.

Slice off stem ends of bell peppers and scoop out the seeds from the cavities. Place the peppers on one end of a large rimmed baking sheet; bake for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss shrimp, scallions, oil, garlic powder, salt and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer to the empty side of the baking sheet, spreading in an even layer. Bake, stirring the shrimp mixture once, until the peppers are softened and the shrimp is just cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven. Stir the shrimp mixture into the grits, then divide the shrimp-and-grits mixture among the 4 bell peppers. Bake until the mixture is hot, about 10 minutes more.