Mussels Ala Don

Directions

1. 1
   Combine all in mini food processor and chop until fine (not paste).
2. 2
   Heat 1/2 cup olive oil in stock pot.
3. 3
   Add in garlic/basil mixture and heat (do not let garlic burn).
4. 4
   Add in juice from 2 lemons (or 1/3 cup of lemon juice), 1 tbs of Mrs.
5. 5
   Dash spicy seasoning, 2 tbs butter, 1 tsp salt, good amount of black pepper, 1 tbs of oregano, and 1 tbs of red pepper flakes*, heat on high heat until bubbling.
6. 6
   Stir in 1 cup of white wine and bring to boil, allow to reduce slightly.
7. 7
   Stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and let cook for 10 minutes.
8. 8
   Stir in 1 large can (29 oz) of chopped clams (drained-leaving some clam juice), heat to bubbling.
9. 9
   When boiling, add in 4 lbs of cleaned mussels, cover and allow mussels to steam open.
10. 10
    Just before serving, stir 1/4 cup parsley, thoroughly stir and heat through.
11. 11
    Serve over linguini.
12. 12
    For variation, toast 1-2 cups of bread crumbs, and sprinkle over pot right before serving (do not serve with pasta, since sauce will be absorbed by breadcrumbs).
13. 13
    *Heat (spice) can be adjusted with less red pepper flakes, need at least 1/2-1 tsp, to max of 1 tbs.