New England Clambake: A Tasty Celebration
A New England clambake is a fun and exciting time for the whole family. These get togethers were usually held outside up and down the coast, with most even held right on the beach. Now, however, friends and families are having them right in their backyards or even in a park.
It's a celebration. The mood is usually upbeat and happy. It provides an opportunity for socializing and enjoying the company of those around you. During the holiday season, a clam bake is a great way to celebrate all of the holidays (Christmas, Hanukah, New Year's).
Traditional party food consists of an assortment of meats, but mainly seafood. Combined into the seafood feast are delights such as clams, oysters, lobster, and scallops. Additionally other items like corn, potatoes, and sausage are added. Some families even add carrots, celery, and onions.
To make a cooking pit, a hole is first dug in the sand. Then hot stones or coals are laid on the bottom. The coals are covered with layer of wet seaweed. Some cooks prefer to cook on a metal grill which is laid on the seaweed, and others use the seaweed for a base. Food is added to the pit on top of the prepared base, and the food remains in the hole until it is steamed
A New England clambake has minor differences from region to region. The seafood options are the number one way that each region distinguishes itself from the others. For instance, a clambake may have quahogs or mussels. Or, in another region the steamed seafood might be almost entirely lobster and clams.
If you are thinking about a clam bake, remember that most communities require authorization for use of public lands. Beaches typically have some cut off time for gatherings, which must be obeyed unless other arrangements have been made. Similarly, many places strictly limit open fires. Worst case scenario, everything must be cooked elsewhere leaving only the set up to occur at the site.
Often, hiring a caterer can solve any of these problems. They will obtain all the necessary permits. They will plan the party, bring and cook the food. You will only be responsible for the invitations. Caterers can also supply the appropriate beverages. A nice supply of non-alcoholic choices is necessary, as well as beer and possibly wine.
If you want the ideal celebration? Try a New England clambake. A firm holiday favourite with many, it is the ideal way to celebrate any special occasion. It's sure to become a real favourite with many new groups of people.
There is nothing more festive than a New England clambake. Such events are almost always held outdoors in coastal areas. Clambakes tended to be held on the beach traditionally, but in recent years, some families and other gatherings choose to hold these parties in parks and backyards. Traditional food at the party consists of a variety of meats, mostly seafood. Clams, lobster meat, scallops, and oysters are all steamed in a pit. If you are planning a clam bake, then the first thing to know is how you can use the beach. Different beaches have their own set of rules and regulations.
Published December 22nd, 2007
Filed in Entertainment, Health

