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1
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderately low heat until it is lightly colored and most of the fat has been rendered, about 10 minutes.
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2
Transfer the bacon to a plate with a slotted spoon.
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3
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the skillet.
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4
Add the celery and onion and cook over moderate heat until tender, about 8 minutes.
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5
Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant.
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6
Increase the heat to moderately high and add the spinach.
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7
Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until the spinach has wilted and any excess liquid has evaporated, about 4 minutes.
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8
Transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl and add the diced bread, bacon, parsley, thyme and tarragon.
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9
Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
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10
Let the stuffing cool to room temperature.
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11
Preheat the oven to 425.
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12
Season the cod inside and out with salt and pepper and rub 2 tablespoons of the olive oil all over the outside of the fish.
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13
Open the fish and sprinkle the inside with the lemon juice, then fill with the stuffing; press gently to close.
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14
Using a sturdy needle and thread or toothpicks inserted vertically, loosely sew or pin the fish together.
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15
Transfer the cod to an oiled rack.
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16
In a large roasting pan, toss the leeks and fennel with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and salt and pepper.
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17
Spread the vegetables in an even layer and set the cod on the rack on top.
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18
Roast in the center of the oven for 25 minutes.
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19
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks.
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20
Beat in the horseradish and season with salt and pepper; refrigerate.
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21
Remove the roasting pan from the oven and pour the wine around the fish.
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22
Sprinkle with the red pepper and arrange the clams around the cod, hinges down.
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23
Return to the oven and roast for about 15 minutes longer, or until the cod is just cooked through and the clams are open; check periodically, removing clams as they open.
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24
Cover the opened clams with foil to keep them warm.
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25
When the cod is done, remove the pan from the oven and preheat the broiler.
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26
Remove all remaining open clams from the pan; discard any that have not opened.
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27
Broil the cod for about 2 minutes to crisp the skin, rotating the pan as necessary.
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28
Cut the fish into serving pieces.
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29
Spoon the fennel and leeks onto plates and top with the cod and stuffing.
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30
Spoon any roasting juices over the top and garnish with the clams.
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31
Pass the horseradish cream at the table.