CLAM TOASTS WITH PANCETTA

Steps:

• Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium. Add pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until brown and crisp, 5-7 minutes. Add sliced garlic and cook, stirring often, until garlic is golden around the edges, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low and add sweet onion and chopped fennel. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and onion is translucent, 6-8 minutes. Add lemon zest, bay leaf, ground fennel,1/2 cup wine and a pinch of salt. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until wine is mostly reduced but mixture is still a little bit saucy, about 3 minutes. Transfer soffritto to a medium bowl; discard lemon zest and bay leaf. Wipe out skillet.
• Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in same skillet over medium. Arrange bread slices in skillet and cook until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Cut 1 garlic clove in half and rub one side of each toast with cut side of garlic. Wipe out skillet.
• Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in same skillet over medium. Crush remaining garlic clove with the side of a chef's knife and cook, stirring often, until it begins to turn golden, about 1 minute. Add clams, soffritto, and remaining 1/2 cup wine. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until liquid is reduced by half and clams are open (discard any that do not open), 5-7 minutes. Add parsley and fennel fronds and cook 1 minute longer. Taste and season with salt if needed.
• To serve, place fried bread on plates and spoon clam mixture and cooking broth over. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
• Do Ahead
• Soffritto can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.