Scalloped Clams Recipe

Scalloped Clams Recipe:

History:
Scalloped clams have been a beloved dish in coastal regions for centuries. Clams are commonly found in abundance along the shores, making them an easily accessible and commonly used ingredient in seafood recipes. This particular recipe has been passed down through generations in many coastal communities, each family adding their own twists and variations to make it their own.

Fun Fact:
Did you know that clams have been a staple in the diets of indigenous coastal tribes for thousands of years? They not only provided sustenance but were also used in various cultural ceremonies and rituals.

Ingredients:
- 100 clams
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- A pinch of mace
- Stale bread crumbs
- Unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup of water from the clams
- 1 tumbler of sherry

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 175°C).
2. Begin by washing the clams thoroughly under cold running water to remove any grit and sand.
3. Separate the soft part of the clams and keep them whole. Chop the tough part finely and set it aside.
4. Take a buttered baking dish and create a layer of the soft whole clams at the bottom.
5. Season the layer with salt, pepper, cayenne, and a pinch of mace to add a hint of warmth and depth of flavor.
6. Sprinkle a generous amount of stale bread crumbs over the clams, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
7. Place small pieces of unsalted butter on top of the bread crumbs layer. This will add richness and enhance the overall taste.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining clams, seasoning, bread crumbs, and butter until the dish is full.
9. Pour in a cup of the water extracted from the clams. This will provide additional moisture and flavor to the dish.
10. Bake the scalloped clams in the preheated oven for approximately one hour, or until the top layer becomes golden brown and the clams are cooked through.
11. Halfway through the baking process, carefully pour a tumbler of sherry over the dish. This will infuse the clams with a delightful and aromatic flavor.
12. Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The flavors will meld together and intensify during this time.
13. Serve the scalloped clams hot as a main course or as a delightful appetizer.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy scalloped clams, you might also like...

1. Clam Chowder: This iconic New England soup features clams, potatoes, onions, and cream, resulting in a rich and hearty dish.

2. Clam Linguine: A classic Italian pasta dish, clam linguine combines fresh clams with garlic, white wine, parsley, and olive oil.

3. Clam Casino: This delicious appetizer consists of clams topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs, bacon, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, baked until golden and flavorful.

4. Clam Fritters: These crispy fritters are made with chopped clams, batter, and various seasonings, then deep-fried until golden brown.

Whether you choose to indulge in scalloped clams or explore other clam-based recipes, you can't go wrong with the delectable flavors and versatility that clams bring to the table. Enjoy!