RoobiFood

Spring is moving into Summer and people are beginning to wear shorts and buy ice cream again. What does this mean to you. Well with the economy in a downward spiral rivaling that of Lohan and Spears it’s no wonder people are taking smaller vacation closer to home.

Well here’s an idea to help keep costs down and fun high. A backyard trip to the Cape, yup a good ol’ clam bake.

First – invite people over. Second – break out the games, set-up a horseshoe pit, some chess boards, playing cards, bocci, or croquet, even badminton (whatever you have in the closet, attic, or barn).

Then make some clam bake.

Clean clams. Using a wire brush or good scouring pad (not SOS-it has soap on it ewww) clean outside of clams. Be sure clams are alive. If open, tap clam, it should close tightly, if it doesn’t toss it out. This should be done upon purchase (don’t buy dead clams) and before adding to the pot. After cleaning place in bottom of pot put in pieces of chicken (breasts, thighs, legs and wings). Add water until it touches the bottom of the chicken. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. On top of chicken add quartered onions and potatoes (sweet potatoes are great here). Also add carrots and celery. Sprinkle with salt and pepper again. Now add shucked corn cobs on the very top. I add two or three bay leaves on top, but this is optional. Place a lid on pan and simmer until everything is tender.

Now, you are ready to serve. Place food on separate platters for serving. Corn, vegetable (discard celery, unless you like it or took the stringy parts out before cooking), chicken, and clams. Do not discard clam broth. Let this sit a minute and skim off chicken fat. Serve clam broth hot in a pitcher along side the meal. Enjoy.

Great with homemade lemonade and sweet potato pie!

Enjoy a trip to the cape with friends and family in your own backyard.