Ingredients:

• 4 strips bacon, chopped
• 1/2 small white onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup white wine, optional
• 3 to 4 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds mussels, scrubbed, debearded, rinsed and drained
• For serving (optional):
• 1 pound spaghetti, drained, if serving as a main course
• Crusty bread, if serving as an appetizer
• Fresh parsley