CLAMS CASINO

Yield: 4 or 5 servings

20 clams (see "Note")
1 stick butter at room temperature
1 tablespoon finely minced pimento
1 tablespoon finely minced green pepper
1 tablespoon finely minced celery
1/4 cup fine bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon anchovy paste
8 strips bacon (approximately)

Combine butter, pimento, green pepper, celery, bread crumbs, and anchovy paste. Using a small spatula, spread the mixture over the clams. Cut the bacon in pieces and put equal amounts on each clam. Bake ten minutes or until the bacon is done.

Note: Since not everyone can obtain fresh clams in shells, three (3) cans of whole baby clams will substitute nicely when making the above recipe for 4 or 5 servings. Scallop shells can be obtained from a gourmet shop or some supermarkets. In using the scallop shells (which are larger than clam shells), don't forget to DOUBLE the ingredients.