Anyone who enjoys the traditional method of cooking sea food like lobster meat, mussels, crabs and clams, will definitely enjoy clambake on the beach. This type of cooking is usually held on festive occasions along the coast of New England.The ritual of the New England clambake begins by digging a pit in the sand and then placing smooth stones in the center of the pit .
Wood is lit on fire, arranged on a group of rocks, and allowed to burn until it becomes ash. These ashes are cast aside, whereupon the heated rocks actually cook the food. It’s important to ensure that the fire burns out quickly—preferably after the desired temperature has been achieved. Thuen, the stones are swept clean of ashes, and arranged so that the bottom is insulated.
From the shoreline, seaweeds are collected and piled against the rocks. Then potatoes, onions, lobsters, clams, and even corn (in their husks) are placed onto the pit. At this point, a layer of seaweed blankets a canvas (dampened by ocean water) in order to contain the heat. Then, the whole meal is steamed for many hours, thus converting the food into a scrumptious meal.
It takes an entire day to do the cooking for a New England clambake. Some people think its fun to undertake the cooking themselves. Others, however, prefer to hire professional clambake caterers to do the work for them. Most cooks use a large pot for clambake cooking, because many areas won’t allow people to build fires on the beaches.
There are many variations of the New England clambake like cooking it in metal containers which is known as a New England Clam Boil. New England clambake is an older method of cooking food in a rock-lined sand pit, prevalent in New England long before the English empire was found in America.
If your feeling adventurous, a lobster clambake can be cooked in metal container in your yard, or even in a steamer on your stovetop. If not, then try a caterer that will prepare it in cooking containers heated by flame. Finally, just try picking up pre made clambake at a store.
If you enjoy cooking seafood such as lobster meat, mussels, crabs and clams in the traditional method, you will absolutely love clambake on the beach. It takes an entire day to do the cooking for a New England clambake. Some people think its fun to undertake the cooking themselves. Others, however, prefer to hire professional clambake caterers to do the work for them. Most cooks use a large pot for clambake cooking, because many areas won’t allow people to build fires on the beaches. A lobster clambake can be cooked in your yard in a metal can, or in a steamer in your kitchen.
- Matthew Lewis