Recipe: Clams with Country Ham Vinaigrette and Candied Orange

When Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth's Marc Jacksina and fellow Charlotte-based chef Blake Hartwick started designing their Beard House menu, they immediately wanted to work with clams, specifically those from Rappahannock River Oysters, one of their most valued purveyors. The first idea to spring up was clams casino, the bacon and bread crumb–laden classic that enjoys heavy rotation in Rhode Island. Equipped with their Southern larders, Jacksina and Blake got to work on this regionally inspired spin. Benton's country ham was an obvious reliever for the bacon, so Jacksina blended it with horseradish and Tabasco to make an energized vinaigrette. Chef Blake finished the half shells with gems of candied Florida oranges, the perfect foil to the hors d'oeuvre's saline bent.

Get the recipe here.