Jambalaya

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°.
2. 2
   Use 3 or 4-quart casserole dish.
3. 3
   Fry bacon over moderate heat until it is free of its fat and is brown but not crisp.
4. 4
   Drain and set aside on a paper towel.
5. 5
   Add onion to the bacon fat and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they are transparent but not brown.
6. 6
   Mix in green pepper and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
7. 7
   Add in rice and stir the rice until the grains become opaque and milky.
8. 8
   Then add garlic, tomatoes, bacon, thyme, salt and pepper.
9. 9
   Stir thoroughly.
10. 10
    Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
11. 11
    Add ham and stir.
12. 12
    Cover and place on lower third of oven.
13. 13
    Cook for 10 minutes and add the shrimp (push shrimp through the rice).
14. 14
    Cook again until stock is absorbed and rice is tender.
15. 15
    If at any time it appears dry, add a tablespoon of stock to it.
16. 16
    Garnish with parsley.