Steamed Clams with Ham, Bell Pepper, and Basil

• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup diced smoked ham
• 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 18 1/2-inch-thick baguette slices
• Olive oil
• 5 pounds littleneck clams (35 to 40), scrubbed
• 1 cup Chardonnay
• 1 cup (loosely packed) chopped fresh basil

1. Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over low heat.
2. Add ham and bell pepper and saute until light brown, about 10 minutes.
3. Add garlic and dried red pepper; stir 1 minute.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat).
6. Lightly brush baguette slices on both sides with oil.
7. Grill bread until light brown on outside but soft on inside, about 2 minutes per side.
8. Combine clams and wine in large pot.
9. Cover and boil over high heat until clams begin to open, about 8 minutes.
10. Using slotted spoon, transfer clams to 6 bowls, discarding any clams that do not open.
11. Add liquid in pot to skillet with ham-bell pepper mixture.
12. Bring to boil over medium-high heat.
13. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until liquid is slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
14. Remove from heat.
15. Stir in basil.
16. Pour mixture over clams, dividing equally.
17. Serve clams, passing grilled bread separately.

butter, ham, red bell pepper, garlic, red pepper, olive oil, littleneck clams, fresh basil

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/steamed-clams-with-ham-bell-pepper-and-basil-105152 (may not work)