Cajun-Style Gumbo

The phrase "pass the bacon" is beginning to have
a more nutritious meaning for millions of
health-conscious Americans incorporating Canadian
bacon into their diets.

Best known as an ingredient in Eggs Benedict,
Canadian bacon's recent rise in popularity stems
from the low-carbohydrate diet craze. Although
carb counting is no longer as fashionable, Canadian
bacon remains a healthy cooking option because
it's low in fat and high in protein.

With "bacon" in its name, consumers often confuse
Canadian bacon with traditional American bacon,
according to Philip Jones, president of Jones Dairy
Farm, a leading U.S. producer of Canadian bacon.
However, unlike its fatty American counterpart,
Canadian bacon is a lean smoked meat made from
the tender pork loin. It's precooked and has an
appearance and flavor more similar to ham.

Jones points out an important difference between
Canadian bacon and Canadian-style bacon. Real
Canadian bacon is strictly the loin meat, but
Canadian-style bacon is typically made from sirloin
hip meat and includes ground pork trim. Jones
believes consumers will prefer the higher-quality
authentic product because it provides a more
uniform appearance, better texture and superior taste.

"Real Canadian bacon provides fuller flavor and firmer
texture," said Jones. "It's a premium ingredient that
adds a wonderful smoky flavor in salads, sandwiches,
soups or even by itself." He offers the following
recipe showcasing the versatility of Canadian bacon.

Cajun-Style Gumbo

Makes 5 (11/2-cup) servings

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
1 (14-1/2-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chicken or beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 (10-oz) package frozen sliced okra, thawed
8 Jones Golden Brown precooked sausage links or
 patties, coarsely chopped
1 (6-oz) package Jones Canadian Bacon slices, cut
 into strips
2 cups hot cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped parsley

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add green
pepper, onion, garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring
occasionally. Add flour; cook and stir 1 minute. Add
tomatoes, broth, thyme, oregano, pepper sauce; bring
to simmer. Cover; simmer 5 minutes. Stir in okra and
sausage; simmer covered 5 minutes. Stir in Canadian
bacon; simmer uncovered 3 minutes. Ladle into five
shallow bowls; top with rice and parsley.

Cajun-Style Gumbo made better with the addition of real Canadian bacon.