Green Peas With Crispy Bacon

Cook bacon 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. 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.