Broiled stuffed clams

Serves 6 as an appetizer

1/2	cup white wine
24	to 30 littleneck clams
1	cup fresh white bread crumbs
1/4	cup olive oil
2	anchovy fillets, rinsed and patted dry
1	small onion, finely chopped
1	clove garlic, finely chopped
	Pinch of crushed red pepper
2	teaspoons finely chopped parsley
	Salt, to taste
3	cups kosher salt (optional)
	Extra olive oil (for sprinkling)

1. In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, bring the wine to a boil. Add the clams, cover, and cook over high heat, shaking the pan often. Just as the clams start to open, transfer them to a bowl; do not wait until fully opened. When cool enough to handle, pry the shells apart. Discard the top shell, use a knife to release the clam from the bottom shell, then set it back in place.

2. Strain the cooking juices. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of juice s with the bread crumbs.

3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the anchovies and onion and cook for 2 minutes or until the anchovies dissolve and the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and red pepper and cook 1 minute more. Stir in the bread crumbs; remove from the heat. Add the parsley and salt to taste .

4. Turn on the broiler. Loosely top each clam with the breadcrumb mixture. If you like, pour a layer of kosher salt 1/4 inch thick on a small rimmed baking sheet. Set the clams on top . Or carefully set the stuffed clams on the sheet without salt.

5. Broil the clams for 1 1/2 minutes. Sprinkle with more olive oil before serving. Jill Santopietro