There's nothing better than spending the day at the beach except spending the day at the beach while you're cooking and organizing a Clambake. The old traditional clambake consists of digging a huge hole in the sand and placing rocks, seaweed, lobsters, clams, potatoes, and corn into the pit then covering it all up to let it steam and cook American's favorite meal.
While many have heard about clambakes, they're thinking about a backyard grill and barbeque not the traditional beach clambake. These have almost disappeared from the beaches of America due to the regulations of towns dotting the shorelines restricting fires and parties on their beaches. These were very popular due to the great atmosphere of being near the ocean, being with many friends and family members. They used to play beach volleyball and drink while waiting for the food to cook consisting of lobster, clams, corn, mussels, potatoes to steam in the fire pit.
If your town allows beach fires here's how to build a one: Dig a large hole approximately 3 feet deep, and then layer it with rocks. Place starter wood light fire and continue fire to heat the rocks for a couple of hours. Let fire die down then - Cover the rocks and coals with fresh green wet seaweed then layer corn, potatoes, clams, place lobsters on top. Cover all with a tarpaulin then some rocks. Steam about 3 hrs.
Backyard Method:
Buy a fresh new metal garbage can then clean with dish detergent and water. Build your fire in a fire pit at home constructed so you can place and hold the metal can above the fire to steam the food. When the fire's hot, place the garbage can filled with 2-3 inches of water over the fire. Place layers of seaweed, husked corn, potatoes, clams, lobsters then place the lid on the can. Cook approximately 2 hours, watching for the clams to open. Remove clams as they open and leave the ones that don't open.
To make clam and artichoke dip here's the ingredients required: 1 can Whole Baby Clams, drained; 1 can artichokes in water, drained; 1 cup mayonnaise; ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper; and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Heat the oven to 375ºF. Place all ingredients in food processor fitted with steel blade. Process the dip until almost smooth. Place in an oven safe baking dish and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until brown and bubbly. Serve with pita crisps and cucumber rounds.
Whether you're at the beach or in your backyard a traditional clambake is alot of fun for you and your friends, and family. Make sure your plan for enough seats, party tent for rain, drinks, snacks, deserts, and wipes for the messy guests. Beach Volleyball can be played in your backyard; all it takes is to truck in 16 yards of fine sand before the big event. Set up your volleyball set and kick back and enjoy your guests reactions when they see this setting in your backyard.