I recently saw this recipe at Gourmet.com (God, I miss that magazine!) and decided to give it a try. Super easy to make this pan seared dish is ready in no time. Sautéing the squid in bacon fat adds a pleasing robust flavor to the seafood. This can be served as an appetizer or a main course.

Spicy Calamari with Bacon and Scallions
Serves 4 as a main course

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb cleaned medium squid
• 1/4 lb bacon (about 5 slices), cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup chopped scallions
• 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes

Directions

1. Rinse squid under cold water, then pat dry between paper towels.
   
2. Halve large tentacles lengthwise and cut bodies (including flaps, if attached) crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide rings.
3. Cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, then transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
4. Toss squid with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
5. Heat fat remaining in skillet over high heat until very hot, then sauté squid with scallions and red-pepper flakes until just cooked through, about 3 minutes.
6. Serve squid immediately, sprinkled with bacon.