Clams Revisited

OK people, so it's a little after 3 in the morning as I start writing this and the big guy's just left for the airport. Hey, he likes those early flights and being an A type personality, has to be at the airport a minimum of 2 hours in advance or in this case 3. He's heading for hot muggy New Jersey which shouldn't be much of a shock to his system being as he's leaving hot muggy hell to go there. As you can imagine we're both a little homesick for the cool coastal breezes so I thought I'd take a moment to transport us back in time.

Last night's dinner was a remake on the Clams Casino Casserole we've enjoyed here before although I must admit, I upped the bacon quotient, added more clams and some red chili flakes for a little kick. Served with the usual lemon flavored fettuccine on the side, it certainly helped soothe my savage beast and took us back in time to Alsea Bay, sea smoke, cool mornings and digging those ugly clams. Don't believe me - check out a clamming excursion from last year.

Clams Casino Casserole with Lemon Spaghetti

 4 slices bacon, finely chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 - 1/2 cups chopped clams (uncooked) well drained  (See Note)

2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Coarse ground pepper to taste

Sauté finely chopped bacon until crisp. Remove from pan, reserving 1 teaspoon bacon fat. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic and oregano and sauté until onion is soft.  Add white wine and simmer until wine is almost evaporated (5 minutes). Remove to a bowl and cool for 15 minutes.  When vegetables have cooled add chopped clams, parmesan cheese and parsley. Season to taste with pepper. Turn into casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with cooked bacon. Top with

10 Ritz crackers, crushed

2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Drizzle with a tablespoon of melted butter

Bake in 350 oven for 25 minutes.

Note – if you’ve used canned clams rather than uncooked, place casserole under broiler and broil until topping is golden and casserole is bubbling, rather than cooking them for 25 minutes.

Lemon Fettuccine

1/2 pound spaghetti

1/4 cup olive oil

Juice & zest of 1 lemon

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Cooking liquid from pasta as needed

Cook pasta per package directions to al dente stage. Combine olive oil, lemon zest and juice. Drain pasta well reserving some liquid. Return pasta to pot. Over low heat combine pasta with olive oil, lemon mixture. Add parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Add pasta cooking liquid as needed to keep pasta moist. Warm until pasta absorbs all liquid. Garnish with basil. Here's the link to the more calorie conscious version if you're so inclined - Download Clams Casino Casserole

Comments

[Nanan]

I like the way you have the recipe included in the text of your blog now! Lovely looking meal - bivalves are my friends now that I am 44 - strange how our tastes change! I can't wait to see what you post tomorrow - with the big guy gone!

[June]

Thanks Lea. I'm looking forward to seeing what I'm going to post tomorrow too! LOL

[Mags]

Ya know I can't do the clams, but that dish sure does look tasty.

I also was going to comment that I like that you are now including the recipes right in your posts. Much easier to see if I have the ingredients!

[June]

Mags - Silly me, personally I hate the song and dance of highlighting recipes on blogs to print them and figured the download would be a lot easier, but my thinkin' wasn't thinkin'! I'm glad it's easier this way and I'm still doing the download just for me.

[Mary from Apron Strings & Wedding Rings]

This is the one June! The recipe that 1st directed me to your site! I have made this at least a half dozen times for Tim and HE LOVES IT!!!!! HUGS, Mary L.

[June]

Wow - that's amazing Mary. It's one of our favorite clam dishes too and the lemon pasta is perfect with it. So glad you found me so I could find you!