JOHN'S CLAMS CASINO

Steps:

• 1. Partially steam clams just to get them to open (about 2 mins). Carefully shuck clams (remove top shell)
• 2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray.
• 3. Add bacon to pan, cooking until bacon begins to brown, stirring occasionally.
• 4. Add wine. Cook until liquid evaporates (about 30 seconds), scraping to loosen browned bits.
• 5. Add bell pepper, shallots & garlic to pan. Cook 4 mins or until tender. Place mixture in a medium bowl.
• 6. Add breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley & black pepper to bacon mixture. Stir until blended.
• 7. Cover a baking sheet with foil.
• 8. Take a very sharp knife and make 2 small slits across each clam. Drizzle with a little clam juice to keep them from drying out.
• 9. Place each clam in shell on the foil. ** TIP: To keep them from moving & tipping, simply take a small bowl of sea salt and add a tiny bit of water to just moisten the salt & make it clumpy. Place a small mound on the foil & place a shell on the salt mound. It will stay put better.
• 10. Top each clam with an equal amount of the bacon mixture.
• 11. Broil until tops are browned and clams are done. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.