Clambake Party

Epicurean Exploits - Food and Recipes
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I’m putting together some ideas for a clambake party. The main event… the clambake… would include such things as lobster, clams, sausages, new potatoes, corn on the cob. Also thinking some nice crusty bread too. What do people serve as appetizers or nibblers while the main event is cooking? Anybody know what a traditional NE clambake dessert might be?

Thanks,
Becca

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The Wiki Link: Clambake - Wikipedia

I have been part of a few clam bakes in my day but I am hardly an expert. My recollection as far as dessert goes is that it was usually a vanilla ice cream/apple pie kind of thing as it was usually the 4th of July on the Cape! If you wanted to try and layer in a dessert item on the top to bake in, consider some type of banana/plaintain dish or some other type of fruit-based dessert that might work with steaming. However, I’m not sure how much of the ‘fishy’ flavor might get into whatever you intend to have, and that might not work out if you try to cook it in the bake with the main ingredients. I’m sure the linguica sausages referenced in the Wiki come from the strong Portuguese influence on cooking in the Southeastern MA/RI area.

As far as the before-foods I think it all depends on the who/what/when/where. If you have access to a kitchen or other amenities vs. being a mile down the beach and working out of the back of your SUV that can change your options. At the old family beach clambakes each family brought a picnic lunch, the moms fed the kids and the dads prepared the clambake, everybody had a fun afternoon at the beach and then we had the bake for dinner. If you’re having a traditional guest-by-invite ‘party,’ then I would lean towards other seafood such as grilled shrimp or scallops and grilled veggies that you can pass as hors d’oeuvres, or a cold veggie plate with dip. Unless you’re having it catered, you might also want a small team of family and BFF’s to come early to help start the clam bake, and expect to serve them lunch. Invite everyone else to show up 2hrs before the clam bake will be ready.

Most importantly, enjoy and have fun!

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I don’t know if it’s traditional, but I’m thinking strawberry shortcake for dessert.

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[winner.gif]

That IS the traditional desset in New England on July 4th
BTW, peas seem to have place at the dinner, must be an early crop thing.

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I would have said a fruit crisp, like wild blueberry from Maine, for the clambake.

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Thanks for the info and ideas. We’re deciding on how best to put together a clam bake for about 30 people, here on the ranch.