You can host an awesome clambake in a few ways. To create authenticity, go to the beach, get a shovel and start digging a pit to prepare for a true beach clambake. You can also prepare a clambake in your own backyard.
Instructions
Clambake at the Beach
1. Dig a hole about 3 feet in the ground as the initial step to this genuine beach clambake. Line the hole with rocks. Ask friends to help with digging if you get fatigued.
2. Start a fire with wood pieces on top of the rocks to heat it. The temperature needs to be 400 degrees F. This can take a couple of hours.
3. Place thick, wet seaweed in layers on the rocks with husked corn, potatoes, and clams, alternating the layers when the fire starts to diminish. Be careful since the rocks will be hot. You will hear the seaweed sizzle as you place it on the rocks.
4. Put a tarpaulin over the hole and weigh it down with rocks. Steam approximately 3 hours.
In the Backyard
5. Buy a metal garbage can if you don't want to dig a hole on the beach but still want to come close to having a beach-style clambake.
6. Pour 2 to 3 inches of water in the bottom of the garbage can.
7. Measure one cup of vinegar and several tablespoons of iodized salt.
8. Place the garbage can over a fire to boil the water. Keep the fire strong so that it can cook thoroughly.
9. Alternate layers of seaweed with husked corn, potatoes, and clams and place the lid on the can.
10. Cook approximately 2 hours. The clams will open when done.
In the Kitchen
11. Put a pot on top of the stove with enough water to fill the bottom of the pot. No seaweed is needed for this method.
12. Boil potatoes and corn first, since they take longer to cook.
13. Steam until the clams are done. They will pop open.
14. Throw away clams that don't open.
Tags: approximately hours, beach clambake, corn potatoes, corn potatoes clams, husked corn