Creole Rice

Ingredients 1/2 pound fresh small okra, washed and trimmed 3 cups cold water the juice of 1 lemon 1 1/2 tablespoons bacon drippings 1 large yellow onion, diced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 cup diced smoked ham 1/4 cup diced Canadian bacon 2 large tomatoes, seesed, peeled and chopped 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 5 cups unssalted chicken broth 2 cups raw converted rice Directions: Soak okra for 30 minutes in cold water with lemon juice.  The lemon baath helps to remove gumminess.  In a large saucepan, in hot bacon drippings, saute onion, garlic, and bell pepper over low heat.  Stir in ham and bacon.  Continue to cook, stirring, over low heat until onion ins transparent.  Add tomatoes and spices and 1/2 cup of the broth.  Cook until thickened, approximately 10 minutes. Add rice, remaining broth and drained okra.  Stir well and cook, uancovered, over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until lmost of the water is absorbed and the reice is tender. 4 to 6 servings