Green Peas with Crispy Bacon (TNT)

Green Peas with Crispy Bacon

The addition of mint and orange really brightens this often underrated legume, while
the bacon lends a smoky flavor. When in season, use fresh sweet green peas.

2 smoked bacon slices or 1/2 slice ham, diced
1 shallot, sliced
1/2 tsp. grated orange rind
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
1 bag (16 oz.) frozen sweet green peas, thawed*
1 tsp. butter or margarine
1 TB chopped fresh mint
Garnishes:
Fresh mint sprig
Orange rind curl
Sauté bacon/ham in a medium skillet until crisp; remove and drain on paper towels,
reserving 1 teaspoon drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon, and set aside.
Sauté shallot in hot bacon drippings over medium-high heat 2 minutes or until
tender.
Stir in orange rind, orange juice, pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes
or until reduced by half. Add peas, and cook 5 more minutes; stir in butter and mint.
Transfer peas to a serving dish, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon/ham. Garnish, if desired.
*3 cups shelled fresh sweet green peas may be substituted for frozen. Cook peas in boiling
water 5 minutes, and proceed with recipe.
Yield: 6 servings.

Recipe source: The-Apple-Dumpling-Gang yahoo group, submitted by Joanie