Maggie's Clams Casino

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound bacon, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1/4 cup minced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Add the butter to the bacon fat and melt. Add the onion, celery, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the wine, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Arrange the clams in a single layer in a large baking dish.
6. Spoon the bacon and vegetable mixture over the clams. Sprinkle with the reserved bacon.
7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the clams are cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
8. Garnish with the chopped parsley and serve.

Interesting Facts

• Clams Casino originated in Rhode Island in the early 1900s and is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine.
• Clams Casino can be made with other shellfish, such as shrimp or scallops.
• The topping can be varied to include other ingredients, such as jalapenos, olives, and capers.