For Blue Smoke, his New York City barbecue restaurant, Michael Romano buys bacon and other natural pork products from Niman Ranch, in California's Bay Area. There is a significant difference in flavor between conventional and hormone-free meat. Niman Ranch pork, beef, and lamb products are available st some supermarkets and at www.nimanranch.com. Amazing Seafood Recipes
How to Make It
In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat. Add the shallots and jalapeño, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Add the wine and ketchup and simmer until reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Increase the heat to high and add the mussels. Cover and cook, shaking the pan a few times, until the mussels open, about 5 minutes.
With a slotted spoon, transfer the mussels to 4 large, shallow serving bowls. Remove the casserole from the heat and stir in the lime juice, butter and cilantro. Ladle the sauce over the mussels and serve at once with bread.