5 slices bacon, thick-cut 7 oz. boneless ham steak, cut into 1/2-in. cubes 1 small onion, chopped 1/2 c. red bell pepper, seeded and diced (1/2-in.) 1 20-oz. bag refrigerated hash brown potatoes salt and freshly ground black pepper
What to do:
1. Cook bacon in large (12-in.) skillet over medium heat, turning once, until crisp and browned, about 8 min. Transfer bacon to paper towels to cool. Pour fat from skillet into small bowl. You should have 5 Tbsp.; add vegetable oil, if needed. 2. Return 3 Tbsp. bacon fat to skillet over medium heat. Add ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 2 min. 3. Add onion and red pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is golden, about 7 min. Add hash browns and cook until underside is mostly golden brown, about 7 min. Drizzle remaining 2 Tbsp. bacon fat over potatoes. Using metal spatula, turn hash browns over in sections. Continue cooking until other side is mostly golden brown, about 7 min. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until hash is completely golden brown, about 5 min. more. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot. 4. If desired, top each serving with a fried or poached egg.
* Comfort food personified, this hash is a winning breakfast or brunch dish, but makes for a good supper, too. It will be more satisfying if served with freshly baked biscuits (mix them quickly from a mix as a timesaver) and your favorite jam. A seasonal fruit salad would be perfect served alongside, or perhaps a green salad with apple slices, shredded Cheddar, and toasted walnuts.
* Recipe and photo courtesy of National Pork Board. For more recipes visit: www.PorkBeInspired.com