Baked Clams

Directions

1. 1
   Discard any clams that are cracked, chipped or open.
2. 2
   Soak in a bowl of water for 20 minutes to clean.
3. 3
   Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6 minutes or until crispy.
4. 4
   Set on paper towels to drain.
5. 5
   Once clams have soaked, scrub one by one with a brush to remove any additional sand or barnacles.
6. 6
   Fill a large pot with a steamer insert with 1 inch of water.
7. 7
   Heat to simmering, add clams and cover.
8. 8
   Cook, covered, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until all shells open up.
9. 9
   Take off heat; remove clams from pan, reserving liquid.
10. 10
    Let clams cool slightly.
11. 11
    Pull off top shell and remove clam from shell to a cutting board.
12. 12
    Coarsely chop clams.
13. 13
    Heat broiler.
14. 14
    Place 24 clam shells on a baking sheet.
15. 15
    In a large bowl, combine clams, bacon, bread crumbs, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder and black pepper.
16. 16
    Stir to blend.
17. 17
    Drizzle with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid.
18. 18
    Stir until moist.
19. 19
    Spoon stuffing into clam shells, deviding equally.
20. 20
    Broil stuffed clams for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned on top.
21. 21
    Serve warm.
22. 22
    NOTE: If you are unable to hand-pick the clams, order a few extra in case some are damaged and have to be dicarded.