Spicy Steamed Clams With Fennel Food

CLAMS WITH FENNEL BROTH

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the celery, fennel, leeks, shallots and garlic and cook on very low heat until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the thyme, bay leaf and white wine, increase the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the clam juice, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in the creme fraiche. Add the clams, cover the pot, and cook until all the clams have opened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with the baguette

SPICY CLAMS WITH GARLICKY TOASTS

Steps:

• Set a heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When oil is hot, add scallions and let sizzle for a minute without browning. Add garlic and peppers, stir and let sizzle for 15 seconds.
• Add wine and broth, and turn heat to high. Add clams, and clamp on lid. Cook for 7 or 8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until all clams have opened. Turn off heat and keep pot covered.
• As clams cook, prepare the baguette: Under the broiler, toast the bread cut-side up until it's golden. Rub the cut side of baguette with a peeled garlic clove and and drizzle each of the four pieces with about 1/2 tablespoon olive oil.
• Just before serving, throw parsley, cilantro and basil into the pot and stir well to distribute.
• Ladle clams and broth into big soup bowls. Serve with garlic toasts for sopping and lemon wedges. For a dramatic presentation, set a single long toast atop each bowl.