Clams Casino Dip/Spread

• 2 (6 1/2 ounce) cans minced clams, with juice
• 1 lb cream cheese, at room temperature (2 eight ounce boxes)
• 6 -8 slices bacon
• 12 tablespoon butter
• 1 jalapeno, minced (seeded and membrane removed)
• 12 cup small diced red bell pepper
• 13 cup small diced celery
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 14 cup minced green onion, save tops for garnish
• 12 lemon, juice of
• hot sauce (a few drops)
• fresh ground black pepper
• Ritz cracker, to serve

1. Cut bacon into 1/4-inch pieces and saute in a skillet with the butter over medium heat 'til completely crisp; drain the fat and reserve the bacon to a plate.
2. In same pan with about 1 teaspoon of the drippings saute the jalapeno, red bell pepper, celery, garlic and green onion over medium heat until just the veggies just barely start to soften (about 3 minutes); now add the juice from one can of clams and reduce over high heat until almost all the liquid has evaporated, about another three minutes.
3. Remove mixture to a plate and allow to cool to room temperature before adding to the cream cheese.
4. In a mixing bowl combine the cream cheese with the cooled mixture, and stir in the remaining ingredients.
5. Transfer into your serving dish and garnish top with a tablespoon or so of the crisp bacon and the green onion tops.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature with Ritz crackers or a good bread.

clams, cream cheese, bacon, butter, red bell pepper, celery, garlic, green onion, lemon, hot sauce, fresh ground black pepper, cracker

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/clams-casino-dip-spread-488577 (may not work)