Note 2: Cooking With Shellfish (clams)

Shellfish is one of the best foods one can come by. Ever. Except for those who are allergic.

When cooking with shellfish (let's begin with the basic clam-in-shell, also known as quahaugs), you never want to overcook it. Fresh (and I mean it came out of the water less than 24 hours ago) seafood is better and much safer to work with - so make sure it's fresh people! Shellfish generally does not need to cook for very long, but if you are ever in doubt, cook a little longer.

1. Get your hands on however much shelled clam (quahaugs) you feel you can eat!

Question: Once you have your clams, how will you cook them? Will you use them in chowder or stuffies? Will you eat as is?

1.a) When using them for chowder of stuffies, you may want to shuck them: Shucking means you are to pry open the clam shell and take out the live clam inside. Generally, this is the preferred method of chowder clamming because, as I stated before, you do not want to overcook the shellfish! It gets rubbery and chewy! Shucking is tricky and you should only ever use a shucking knife (butter knives work too). NOTE: Do NOT use anything that is pointed (like a paring knife)! The results will be painful if you should happen to stick yourself!
Hold the clam in the palm of your hand. With the shucking knife, wedge between the shell very carefully next to the hinge of the clam. When the knife has been inserted into the clam, slide it over to cut the muscle. The clam should relax and you should be able to open it and take out the clam. Place all the clams in a bowl of ice water. When you have collected them from the shells, cut them up and use them in the chowder of your choice.
If you are uncomfortable shucking the clams, don't do it. Place all the rinsed clams (still the in shell) in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a rolling boil. Clams are cooked when all are opened. If a clam or two does not open, do not use and discard. Save the clammy water for chowder!

1.b) When using them in the shell as is: This is my personal favourite way to eat a clam. Take all your clams and rinse them to get as much sand as you can off of them. Place them in a saucepan with beer (once again, Budweiser) and add butter. Cover and cook! The clams are done when all have opened. Discard any that did not open. Melt some butter in a dish and enjoy!

A note on shells: What am I to do with all the leftover shells?
Well, because they're practically nothing but calcium - throw them in the mulch pile! Your garden will love you! You can also clean them and use them for crafts! Or make them into a powder and feed to your chickens! Or use them to decorate your nautical themed room!