Bucatini A La Clams Casino Food

CLAMS CASINO

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and saute until crisp and golden, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a plate. Add the bell pepper, shallots, garlic, and oregano to the same skillet and saute until the shallots are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until it is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and cool completely. Stir the reserved pancetta and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese into the vegetable mixture. Season the mixture, to taste, with salt and pepper.
• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
• Line a heavy large baking sheet with foil. Arrange the clams in the reserved shells on the baking sheet. Spoon the vegetable mixture atop the clams, dividing equally and mounding slightly. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Bake until the clams are just cooked through and the topping is golden, about 10 minutes.
• Arrange the clams on the platter and serve.

CLAMS CASINO

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain and chop fine. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, stir together the butter, shallots, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne until combined. Set aside.
• Arrange the clams in a single layer in a large skillet pan, cover, and steam over high heat until their shells just begin to open, about 5 to 8 minutes. (Do this in batches if needed.) Set aside. When cool enough to handle, remove the top shells and discard. Slide a knife under each clam to loosen it in the shell.
• Crumple a large piece of aluminum foil and spread it out on a baking sheet. (The creases in the foil help keep the clams from tipping over.) Spread about a 1/4 teaspoon of the seasoned butter on top of each clam, top with some of the bacon, and about 1/2 teaspoon of the crumbs. Evenly space the clams on the prepared baking sheet. (The clams can be prepared to this point, covered, and refrigerated, up to 4 hours before serving.)
• Place a rack about 4 inches from the broiler element and preheat. Broil the clams until the crumbs are toasted and the butter is sizzling, about 3 to 4 minutes. Serve warm.