Clams Casino

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, chopped fine
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup finely diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
• 2 teaspoons wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 24 cherrystone clams, shucked and the bottom shells reserved
• Coarse salt, for filling the pan and platter

Directions

In a heavy skillet cook the bacon over moderate heat, stirring, until it begins to brown but is not crisp, transfer it with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, and discard the fat from the skillet. In the skillet, wiped clean, cook the onion and the garlic in the oil over moderately low heat until they are softened, add the bell peppers and the oregano, and cook the mixture, stirring, until the bell peppers are crisp-tender. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and stir in the bacon, the vinegar, the Parmesan, and salt and black pepper to taste. The bell pepper mixture may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled.

Arrange the clams in the reserved shells in a jelly-roll pan filled with some of the coarse salt (to balance the shells), divide the bell pepper mixture among them, and bake the clams in a preheated 400 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are just cooked through. Arrange the clams on a platter filled with more of the coarse salt.