Usually a New England clambake is held on the beach and is a great way to have a fun celebration. Some inventive groups of friends and family have made the clambake more accessible by holding them in their backyards or at the park.

A clam bake is a joyous celebration which is often prepared to commemorate holidays such as Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year’s. A clam bake provides an upbeat, leisurely atmosphere in which people can get together and socialize with others.

The party features traditional foods like clams, lobsters, meat, scallops and oysters. They are all steamed in a pit along with other items such as sausage, corn, celery, carrots, onions and potatoes. The meal which results is absolutely delicious. Everyone will love it.

Everything is prepared in a hole shoveled out of the beach. The heat is provided by rocks or comparable material placed at the lowest level. A layer of wet kelp is then placed above that. Frequently, a layer of foil or a grill is placed over the wet layer. Finally, the food is placed over that. The heat from the rocks combined with the water serve as a medium, cooking the food in steam.

From region to region, the difference in a New England clambake differs minutely. Most of the differences center around what type of seafood is in it. Seafood specialties differ from region to region. Some regions use quahogs or mussels for their clam bakes, while others use lobster and clams almost exclusively.

If you are thinking about a clam bake, remember that most communities require authorization for use of public lands. Beaches typically have some cut off time for gatherings, which must be obeyed unless other arrangements have been made. Similarly, many places strictly limit open fires. Worst case scenario, everything must be cooked elsewhere leaving only the set up to occur at the site.

Often, hiring a caterer can solve any of these problems. They will obtain all the necessary permits. They will plan the party, bring and cook the food. You will only be responsible for the invitations. Caterers can also supply the appropriate beverages. A nice supply of non-alcoholic choices is necessary, as well as beer and possibly wine.

The New England clambake is possibly the best dish to celebrate the holidays. Many family’s have already accepted it as a holiday tradition. If you haven’t been lucky enough to try one, you may discover that it becomes the family’s latest way to mark any gathering or occasion.

There is nothing more festive than a New England clambake. Such events are almost always held outdoors in coastal areas. Clambakes tended to be held on the beach traditionally, but in recent years, some families and other gatherings choose to hold these parties in parks and backyards. Traditional food at the party consists of a variety of meats, mostly seafood. Clams, lobster meat, scallops, and oysters are all steamed in a pit. If you are planning a clam bake, then the first thing to know is how you can use the beach. Different beaches have their own set of rules and regulations.

- Matthew Lewis

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