Total Time

　　45 minutes or less

　　For a more colorful presentation of this down-home dip, we reserved some bacon, bell pepper, scallions, and basil for garnish.

　　Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 2 Cups

　　1/4 pound bacon (about 8 slices), chopped

　　two 6 1/2-ounce cans minced clams

　　8 ounces cream cheese, softened

　　1/4 cup sour cream

　　1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

　　3 scallions, chopped fine

　　2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves

　　1 teaspoon drained bottled horseradish

　　1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste

　　3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

　　Tabasco to taste

　　Accompaniment:Pita Toasts or potato chips

　　

Step 1

In a skillet cook bacon over moderate heat, stirring, until golden and crisp and transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.

　　

Step 2

In a large sieve set over a bowl drain clams, reserving clam juice, and in another bowl whisk together cream cheese and sour cream. Whisk 2 tablespoons reserved clam juice into cream cheese mixture with clams, bacon, and remaining ingredients. Dip may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring dip to room temperature before serving.

　　

Step 3

Serve dip with toasts or chips.