Clams Royale - cooking recipe

Ingredients

12 to 15 small hard-shell clams (about 1 lb.)
1 Tbsp. snipped fresh parsley
1/8 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/4 c. unseasoned dry bread crumbs
1/2 c. water
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. finely chopped, fully cooked ham

Preparation

Scrub outside of clam shells thoroughly, discarding any broken or open clams.
Soak clams in salted water for at least 3 hours to clean.
Rinse and drain clams.
Place water in 2-quart casserole. Microwave at High for 2 to 3 1/2 minutes or until water boils. Add clams.
Cover.
Microwave at High for 3 to 5 1/2 minutes or until clams open, stirring once.
Remove clams from casserole as they begin to open.
Remove each clam from shell.
Reserve half of each shell.
Mince clams.
Set aside.