Bread-Pizza with
Sausage and Clams

Served with a nice glass of red wine, this hearty, tomato-free bread-"pizza" makes a wonderful - and light - dinner for two. It is also great as an appetizer (two to three slices per person) or as fingerfood for your next party. Either way, this mediterranean blend of sausage, clams, mushrooms, and oregano is truly irresistable and I'd be surprised, if you had any left-overs - ever...

Ingredients (to serve 2 or more):

4 oz. mild Italian sausage
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (6 1/2 oz.) can chopped clams, undrained
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
8 - 12 slices Italian bread
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Tip: Almost any kind of cheese will work in this hearty dish. Try Mozzarella, Asiago, Provolone, Romano, or Cheddar.

Preparation (25 minutes plus 15 minutes baking time):

1. Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Add flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Add mushrooms, milk, oregano, pepper, and clams. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes or until thick. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.

3. Place bread slices on a baking sheet and spread sausage-clam mixture evenly over the bread slices. Sprinkle with parsley and remaining cheese.

4. Bake in a preheated oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!