Clambakes have been around for years, bringing family and friends together in a festive, outdoor event. Traditional clambakes started in the north-eastern United States. While they have spread to many different coastal regions, some of the best clambakes are still found in this north-east region.

The Specifics of Clambakes

There are slight variations to the specifics of clambakes. Most clambakes involve digging a pit in the ground, usually sand, to create a hole where the clams and other food are cooked; however, there are some clambakes that take place above ground. Regardless, any clambake involves a lot of labor to prepare.

Seaweed is an essential ingredient in any clambake. The best type of seaweed to use is fresh, saturated with salt water. The salt water helps provide the steam essential to the cooking process as well as a great seasoning flavor.

If a pit is used, rocks and seaweed are placed in the pit and heated. The steam from them are then used to cook the food. If the clambake is above ground, a bonfire is built with rock and wood. Once the fire settles, it is then covered with seaweed which creates steam. The food is then placed on the seaweed and cooked by the steam.

Clambakes traditionally take place on beaches; however, they can take place in any outdoor region given the proper ingredients. They are a great way to gather people outdoors for a festive event.