Clams with Munster Cheese

To check clams for freshness, put them in a sink full of water. Discard any broken clams, ones that float, or ones that do not snap shut or remain tightly closed when touched.

2 slices bacon, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated Munster cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
3 dozen medium clams, shucked, bottom shells reserved
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons

In a small skillet cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and reserve. Add green pepper, red pepper, and garlic to bacon drippings; cook 5 to 6 minutes or until tender. Return bacon to pan; stir to combine. Meanwhile, in small bowl combine Munster cheese and parsley.

Place 1 teaspoon vegetable mixture over each clam in shell. Squeeze lemon juice over clams. Sprinkle clams with cheese and parsley mixture. Chill about 1 hour.

Arrange clams, open side up, in centre of cooking grate. Grill 8 to 10 minutes.

Makes 9 servings.

Note: To shuck clams, firmly hold a clam upright, hinge side down, on a pot holder. Place the sharp side of a clam knife (straight-sided knife with a blunt, rounded four-inch blade and a two-inch handle) between the shells. Then place shell in palm of hand (you may want to wear an oven mitt). Pull the blade through the seam to sever the clam’s muscle. Force the clam open, being careful not to spill any of its juices, as they add great flavour to this recipe. Run the knife along the top shell to free the meat. Break the top shell off by twisting it; discard top shell.