New England Clambake: A Tasty Celebration
A New England clambake is a fun and festive tradition. These gatherings are usually held outside along the coast. Traditionally, they are help directly on the beach; however, lately some innovative families and friends have held the parties in backyards or parks.
A clam bake is a joyous celebration which is often prepared to commemorate holidays such as Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year's. A clam bake provides an upbeat, leisurely atmosphere in which people can get together and socialize with others.
The party features traditional foods like clams, lobsters, meat, scallops and oysters. They are all steamed in a pit along with other items such as sausage, corn, celery, carrots, onions and potatoes. The meal which results is absolutely delicious. Everyone will love it.
A pit in the sand is used to cook the food. Wet seaweed covers hot stones or coals that are placed in the bottom of the hole. A metal grill sometimes covers coals and seaweed and all the food is piled on top. These tasty treats are then steamed in the pit.
A New England clambake differs minutely from region to region. Most differences center on the type of seafood. Each region has a different type of seafood specialty. Some clam bakes have quahogs and mussels, while in other regions the food is almost exclusively 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.
You can solve or prevent a lot of problems by hiring a caterer. They'll have all the permits needed and will plan your party, cook and bring the food. All you have to worry about is the invitations. Look to your caterer for beverages as well, including not only beer and/or wine, but also a selection of non-alcoholic drinks.
All in all, there are few better ways to celebrate the holidays than a New England clambake. It is a holiday tradition for many families, but if you've never had the pleasure, you just may find it will become your family's favorite way to celebrate almost any occasion.
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