4 oz. bacon (8 strips), finely diced
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp red-pepper flakes
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
Freshly ground black pepper and a bit of salt
36 little-neck clams, scrubbed
1. Heat grill to medium.
2. Place a medium sauté pan on the grill, add the bacon, and cook until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook for one minute longer. Remove from heat and stir in the olive oil and parsley; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Increase grill heat to high. Place the clams directly on the grill grates, close the cover, and cook until all of the clams have opened, discarding any that do not, 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Remove clams to a platter; top each with bacon mixture before serving.
Don't hide in your shell today. Don't clam up. Get out and celebrate this special day!