DADS CLAM SPREAD

This is my dads version of a clam dip he had at someones house. He found it not spicy enough and way too dry so he adapted it further. Recommendations follow the recipe. Just know people fight over this its that good! You can also use this to fill clam shells for baked clams.

Dads Clam Spread

2 cans chopped Clams
1 tb. lemon juice
2 garlic cloves , chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 stick butter
1 tsp. each parsley, oregano, basil and crushed red pepper
Dash of Tabasco
1/2 c. Italian flavored breadcrumbs
4-6 tb. Parmesan
Bottled Clam juice
Paprika

Heat 2 cans clams and lemon juice for 10min. Set aside. Saute garlic and onion in the butter for 5-10min. till soft. Add parsley, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper and a dash of Tabasco. Add flavored breadcrumbs. Sprinkle 4-6 tb. Parmesan over it. Add clams and broth slowly. Mix well. Place in buttered casserole. Sprinkle with paprika on top. Bake 20 min. at 400 degrees.

**Daddy doubles the amts. except for the red pepper. He uses about 1/8 tsp. He also adds more clam juice to make it very moist. The breadcrumbs absorb the juices.

We serve this with Triscuits cuz we love the crunch but you could use any crackers. Dad makes several of these usually and bakes them in the small foil loaf pans, then freezes them. This way all he has to do is reheat one for snacks or company. This is so good there's never any left! I will even eat this for lunch the next day, I cant get enough of it!.