Currently in California, we are going through somewhat of a rainy season ... if you want to call it that. But reminiscing about the summer past and long days stretched out on the beach, I can recall a favorite dish of mine cooked up by a good buddy of mine. I loved it so much that every time he's around, I urge him to cook the dish, rain or shine! I thought I'd share this easy recipe for those of you who wouldn't mind giving it a try.

-4 slices of chopped bacon
-1 small chopped onion
-2 chopped garlic cloves
-3 1bs of Manila clams, scrubbed well
-1 cup beer (A light ale is preferable)

Fry bacon in a medium pot until soft and golden, about 4 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and continue cooking until the bacon is nicely browned and the onion is tender, about 4 minutes longer. Stir in the clams and add the beer. Cover the pot and steam the clams for 6-7 minutes, until they open. Discard any clams that do not open. Stir gently to mix with the bacon, garlic and onion, and serve immediately!