Clam Fritters

If you like crab cakes, you'll love these flavor filled, bite size treats, They are great for a party or a meal.

Ingredients:

11 ounces of fresh, minced clams-drained
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbl butter, melted
1/2 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp hot sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2/3 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

1. Combine clams, onion, green pepper, eggs, butter, lime juice, hot sauce, salt and pepper in
mixing bowl, and mix well.
2. Combine flour and baking powder, then add to clam mixture and stir until moistened.
3. Heat 3/4 inch of oil in skillet to 350 degrees. Drop batter into hot oil by level tablespoon. Fry
turning once, then drain on paper towels.


***makes 1 & 1/2 dozen

Warm Clam Dip

This is very popular at parties because its good with crackers or veggies and very flavorful.

Ingredients:

8 ounces reduced fat cream cheese softened
3 ounces nonfat cream cheese
2 tbl milk
3 cans (6.5 ounces each) minced clams...1 can undrained, and the other 2 cans drained
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 tbl fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce (optional)
1 cup finely crushed buttery crackers (about 24)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Beat cream cheeses and milk in large bowl on medium speed until fluffy.
3. Add the one can undrained and 2 cans drained clams, the green onion, lemon juice, and the hot sauce...beat on low until combined.
4. Stir in crackers and place in 9 inch glass pie plate.
5. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until center is set....serve warm.

Clams Casino Linguine

If you like clams casino, you'll enjoy this take on it as a dinner instead of an appetizer.

Ingredients:

1 pound linguine
4 slices bacon, cut in thin strips
1 jar (12 ounces) white clam sauce
grated peel of 1 lemon
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
2/3 cups chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Cook pasta in lightly salted water according to package directions.
2. Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp...remove & drain on paper towels. Drain fat from skillet.
3. Add clam sauce, lemon peel, and crushed red pepper to skillet and cook over low heat until hot.
4. Add 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to the skillet.
5. Drain pasta, add to skillet with the parsley.
6. Toss to mix and coat. Transer to serving dish and sprinkle with the bacon.

**6 servings