Clams Casino Venus De Milo

• thinly sliced bacon2 ounces
• minced garlic1 tablespoon
• diced sweet red pepper1⁄4 cup
• diced red green pepper1⁄4 cup
• diced onion1⁄4 cup
• butter↗1⁄2 lb
• crushed Ritz crackers2 cups
• salt and black pepper

  if needed

• small hard shelled clam, cleaned and opened1 dozen

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Sautee the bacon over a medium fire until it begins to brown.

2. 2

   Add the garlic and the vegetables and sauté until the vegetables begin to wilt.

3. 3

   Remove from the fire.

4. 4

   In a double boiler melt the butter.

5. 5

   Skim the clear butter off of the top with a ladle and place in a measuring cup discarding the milky portion that remains.

6. 6

   Crush 1-1½ sleeves of Ritz Crackers and measure off 2 cups.

7. 7

   Combine ½ cup of drawn butter with 2 cups of Ritz Crackers.

8. 8

   Adjust the seasoning if needed.

9. 9

   Combine the Ritz Cracker and butter mixture with the vegetable mixture.

10. 10

    To make Clams Casino: Wash and open little neck clams being careful to retain as much of the juices as you can. This is accomplished by not tipping the clams. Stuff the clams with casino topping and place a small square of raw bacon on top. Broil in a 375° F oven until the crumbs are brown and the bacon is crispy. Serve with cocktail sauce.