The Tale of the New England Clambake: Good Eats, Bad Romance?
The romantic origins of the New England clambake are more myth than reality. The narrative that indigenous people introduced early colonial settlers to the clambake as an ancient foodway is not historically accurate. The clambake originated in 19th century Rhode Island, and was widely incorporated into the United States’ evolving national identity following the Civil War. (For scholarly rigor and more details, please refer to The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink.)
Despite its prosaic origins, a New England clambake is still worthwhile, distinctive, and delicious. In theory, a barebones beachy version can be accomplished using only fished and found objects, which lends it a certain scavenger/desert isle “I want your everything as long as it’s free” kind of romance.
A New England Clambake
to accompany
Beverages
Preferably fresh from a cooler full of ice:
Light and Medium Bodied Beers
White and Rosé Wines, Still and Sparkling
Lemonade & Soft Drinks
The Clambake
Step by Step Instructions (Maine)
Demonstration (Rhode Island)
Lobsters, Clams, Corn, New Potatoes
Drawn Butter & Rolls
Desserts
Assorted pies and frozen desserts
In honor of Maine, home to Cabot Cove:
Wild Blueberry Pie
In honor of Rhode Island, origin of the clambake:
Del’s Lemonade
Recipe links are suggestions only.
Please remember, here at MSWSW:
Murder, She Wrote, She Wrote 