Recipe: Cajun Scallops, Shrimp or Chicken (using bacon and Dijon mustard)

CAJUN SCALLOPS, SHRIMP OR CHICKEN

"This recipe can be made with scallops, shrimp, chicken or a combination of all three."

6 slices bacon
Vegetable oil
3 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces (or 2/3 pound shrimp, cleaned and deveined or 2/3 pound scallops)
1/4 cup hot pepper sauce
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Hot cooked white rice (for serving)

Saute bacon until crisp. Set bacon aside.

Combine bacon fat and vegetable oil to make 1/3 cup. Heat oil-fat mixture, brown chicken.

Combine remaining ingredients, except bacon and rice, and add to chicken; mix well. Add bacon. Simmer until chicken (or scallops or shrimp) is just done.

Serve over hot white rice.

VARIATIONS:
- Can make lighter by using only oil.
- Can make less "hot" by reducing red pepper sauce but make up the difference to 1/4 cup by adding water. Can also reduce Dijon mustard and chili powder to "cool off".

From: Vicki,La - 09-20-97