Serves: 6. Preparation time: 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
• Preheat a large non-stick sauté pan on medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes. Place the Oil, Pancetta (or Bacon) and the Sliced Onions in the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the Pancetta is crisp. Meanwhile, with a zester, scrape the Orange for 2 teaspoons of Zest (no white pith), then juice the Orange for ¼ cup of Juice.
• Stir in the Zest, Juice and Thyme Sprigs into the pan and simmer for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, halve the Tomatoes.
• Rinse the Mussels and wash and dry your hands. Add the Mussels, Butter and Tomato Halves to the pan and cover. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the Mussels have all opened. Discard any Mussels that do not open after 8 minutes in the heat. Slice the Bread into 12 pieces and make 6 individual servings of Mussels, served with a mini-fork and large napkin!
"Pancetta" - It's an Italian Salume, or cured meat product, made from the Pork Belly that's been cured in salt and other seasonings but never smoked. Rich in flavor, it's used in Pastas and Soups. It can be eaten raw.