New England Clambake - A Treat For Special Occasions
by Shannon Linnen
A New England clambake is a fun and different way to celebrate a special occasion. It is a unique festive gathering idea and healthy to boot. It is no wonder, then, that this traditional Northeastern celebration has gained popularity outside New England region as well.
The clambake first originated on the coast of New England as a way to prepare the plentiful seafood that fishermen caught from the Atlantic Ocean. This method of cooking, originally practiced by Native Americans, quickly became tradition. Nowadays, it is popular in the area and has spread all over the coast, and inland as well.
Traditionally seafood at new england clambake is prepared by steaming. Some people prefer to cook it on a grill. This food includes lobster, scallops, mussels, clams, corn on the cob, potatoes, onions, and carrots. This steaming process can take as little as a few hours to an entire day depending upon the taste. Once the steaming is over the food is served with butter and lemon wedges.
Why keep your own clambake? First of all, it is a unique idea. Ordinary gatherings are a dime a dozen, and can get very monotonous after months of attending the same old dinner parties. It often seems like everyone is just out of ideas. A clambake celebration is something different, however, and your friends are sure to appreciate the newness.
Furthermore, an interesting fact about a new england clambake is that, unlike other popular functions such as barbecues and cookouts, the food served is healthy. The main dish is seafood, which is known for its low amounts of calories and harmful fats. Your meal is steamed, not fried or breaded, which further reduces its calories. Finally, the side dishes are usually vegetables. Even people on strict diets will be able to find something they like.
Your clambake can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. The simplest clambake meal can be prepared in a home steamer indoors, but this does not truly capture the proper atmosphere. The best clambakes are held outdoors, where your guests can see and possibly participate in the cooking. This is also truer to the traditional clambakes of years past.
The success of the New England clambake has been confirmed over generations. It can successfully be adapted to any celebration, whatever the size. A super deluxe lobster clambake will not only place you in the mainstream of this historical tradition, but also earn you a place in the fond memories of your friends.
The great thing about the Internet becoming mainstream is the availability of fresh seafood from online vendors. It is now possible to have a New England Clambake shipped directly to you, regardless of whether or not you even live in New England. If you live in the continental US then you can have a clambake shipped to you overnight with either Fedex or UPS. With these options available, there is really no reason why you shouldn't enjoy a clambake on a regular basis.
You can easily get North Atlantic Haddock if you live on the coast, but if you live inland, it may be much more difficult. Of course the best place to always get high quality seafood is from Quality Fresh Seafood. Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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