**Embark on a Culinary Journey to Cape Cod: Discover the Delectable Stuffed Clams Appetizer and Its Variations**
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the iconic Stuffed Clams appetizer, a culinary gem from the charming coastal region of Cape Cod. These delectable morsels, bursting with a symphony of flavors, are a true testament to the region's rich seafood heritage. Dive into the delightful world of stuffed clams, where tender clam meat is enveloped in a savory stuffing, then baked to perfection, resulting in a golden-brown masterpiece. Explore the diverse variations presented in this article, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish. From the traditional breadcrumb-based stuffing to the innovative versions featuring chorizo, bacon, or spinach, there's a stuffed clam recipe to suit every palate. Get ready to impress your guests with this irresistible appetizer that embodies the essence of Cape Cod's culinary artistry.
STUFFED CLAMS ~ CAPE COD APPETIZER
This recipe comes from a cookbook "Flavors of Cape Cod" Wonderful fresh seafood ~ enjoy.
Provided by Carol Junkins
Categories Seafood Appetizers
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Saute' onions and pepper in butter or margarine until soft. Mix all ingredients together. Stuff into clam shells. Put pat of butter on each clam and sprinkle with paprika. Squeeze a few drops of juice over each clam. Bake in pre-heated oven for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
BAKED STUFFED CLAMS
My clams are requested all the time. They are the perfect appetizer for any occasion and so easy to make. Definitely guaranteed to rival anything you get in a restaurant! Great to freeze and have as a quick snack anytime. (Note: if you don't have clam shells, form tin foil into clam shaped cups, and proceed as directed.)
Provided by Danielle Merk
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Seafood
Time 1h
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
- In a large frying pan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until translucent. Stir in clams, crab meat, parsley, lemon pepper, and bread crumbs. Reduce heat to low, and slowly pour in clam juice until mixture is slightly sticky, but not wet. The bread crumbs will continue to absorb moisture, so be careful not to add too much clam juice.
- Fill each clean clam shell with mixture, pressing tightly into shell. Arrange on a baking sheet, and sprinkle lightly with paprika. (Stuffed shells may be covered and frozen at this point for later use.)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and sizzling. If frozen, bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until warmed through. Serve warm on a platter with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 258 calories, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 38.5 mg, Fat 8.8 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 15.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 385.5 mg, Sugar 2.5 g
HILDA'S STUFFIES (STUFFED QUAHOGS)
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the clams to the boiling water, cover, and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the shells open. Discard any shells that do not open. Remove the clams from the pot and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan. When the clams are cool enough to handle, gently pry the shells apart enough to remove the clam, leaving the hinge attached. Loosen the muscle in the lower shell and remove the clam from the shell. Save the 6 nicest shells and place the shells on a parchment-lined baking sheet and set aside. Finely chop the clam meat and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, stir the butter and 1 tablespoon of the garlic together. Season the butter with salt and pepper. Spoon the butter onto a piece of plastic wrap. Form the butter into a 1-inch log, cover tightly, and place in the refrigerator. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Heat a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook until rendered, about 2 minutes. Add the onions, celery and peppers. Season lightly with Essence. Cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in the remaining garlic, the breadcrumbs, and reserved clam meat and remove from the heat. Stir in the reserved cooking liquid and 2 tablespoons of the parsley. Season with Essence and cool slightly.
- Pack the stuffing mixture into one side of each shell. Slice the compound butter into 6 equal slices. Place a slice of the butter on top of each stuffing mixture. Using your hands, pat the stuffing firmly into each clam shell. Top each evenly with the cheese and the remaining parsley. Close the shells as tightly as possible and wrap with aluminum foil or tie the shell tightly with butchers twine.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Unwrap the clams and place on a serving platter. Garnish with additional parsley and Essence and serve hot.
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
- Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, Published by William and Morrow, 1993.
Tips:
- Choose fresh clams: Look for clams that are tightly closed and have no cracks or chips in their shells.
- Properly clean the clams: Scrub the clams under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Remove the clam's beard by pulling it out with your fingers.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the taste of your stuffed clams. Use fresh herbs, a good quality breadcrumb, and flavorful cheese.
- Don't overstuff the clams: The clams should be filled, but not so full that they're bursting. Otherwise, the stuffing will come out while baking.
- Bake the clams until golden brown: The clams are done baking when the stuffing is golden brown and the clams are cooked through. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion:
Stuffed clams are a delicious and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a stunning dish that will impress your guests. So next time you're looking for a special appetizer, give stuffed clams a try. You won't be disappointed!
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