7/03/1996
CLAMS CASINO
12 littleneck clams, shucked, on the half shell
1 tablespoon each finely chopped red, green and yellow sweet bell peppers
1½ strips bacon, fried and chopped fine
½ teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon minced shallots or green onion
½ cup fresh English muffin or Italian bread crumbs
½ cup grated romano cheese
½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Combine peppers, bacon, garlic, shallots, crumbs, cheese, butter, thyme and salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.

Top each clam with about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture.

Bake in a pan in preheated 400 degree oven until topping is slightly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Makes 12.

-- A reader