Using a microwave simplifies the preparation.

This is one of those classic dishes found in old fashioned Italian restaurants. It is quick to make using your microwave to open the clams. You can prepare the clams ahead of time and broiled right before serving.

Ingredients

• 24 littleneck clams
• 6 Tbs garlic butter
• 2 slices bacon

Directions

1. Scrub the clams well.
2. Arrange the clams, hinge side down, in a 2" dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Cook the clams for 7 minutes at 100% power. If there are any clams that do not open microwave them for another minute. Throw away any unopened clams.
4. Remove the clams from the shells and set aside. (You can freeze the clam broth for use in other dishes.)
5. Place the deeper side of the clam shell in a layer on a broiling pan.
6. Put one clam in each shell.
7. Melt the garlic butter.
8. Evenly spoon the garlic butter over the clams.
9. Cut the bacon into 24 pieces.
10. Top each clam with a piece of bacon.
11. Broil 5" from the heat for 2 minutes, until the bacon is crisp.

Ingredients

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 pound butter, softened

Directions

1. Blend together the garlic, parsley, salt, and butter.
2. Form the butter into a log on a sheet of plastic wrap.
3. Wrap tightly and keep in the refrigerator.