Summer is for Steamers

Steamers aka soft shell clams are a tradition in the northeast for serving at a clambake. Although, rare to find and pricey today, by all means, substitute quahogs or hardshell littlenecks or cherrystones in place of steamers.

There are many ingredient options to add a flavoring infusion for the steamers. The basic New England version is pretty simple, allowing the briny taste of the clam to shine. But by all means, jazz up according to your personal taste. Such as red pepper flakes, or shallots, or lemongrass, and or chorizo.

Steamers White Wine

Makes two servings

chefgeorgehirsch.comGeorge Hirsch Lifestyle

2 pounds steamers or littleneck clams, scrub well and soak in cold water for 2 hours change water as needed to remove sand  

1 Tablespoon olive oil

6 cloves fresh garlic, split in half, peel can be left on 

1/2 cup white wine

1 sprig fresh oregano or thyme

2 Tablespoons fresh parsley washed & roughly chopped 

juice of half lemon + 1 lemon, cut into small wedges for serving

Optional: hot pepper flakes and 1/4 cup melted butter

Crostini with Summertime Condiment

Preheat a large saucepot, large enough to hold steamers. Add olive oil, garlic, and optional hot pepper flakes or other ingredients. Cook for 1 minute. Add steamers, oregano, and white wine. Cover pot and cook until open, about 3-5 minutes, stirring once or twice. Shake the pot to mix up steamers. Caution to not overcook the steamers because they will become dry and rubbery. 

Remove steamers with a slotted skimmer, leaving all the juice in the pot. Add parsley, bring juice to a boil and reduce the juice by half. Serve with juice, lemon wedges and melted butter in a separate bowl for dunking. And, you can always rev the steam up for a full boil or lobster bake to celebrate summer! 

Serve with crostini on the side.

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Cedar Planked

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Can late summer get boring with another burger on the grill. You bet! So, it's time to change it up. 

You are going to need cedar planks for today's fish recipe. I am encouraging you to step outside + grill with this recipe. Soak planks for 30 minutes before you fire-up the grill. Make sure the grill is good and hot, this is key! Grilled cedar planked fish takes on a wonderful smokey flavor with more flair and a lot less hassle as you grill. The plank will be charred, but the fish will be perfectly cooked. This technique of cooking on planks is not new. The Indians in the Pacific Northwest cooked on cedar and alder, a tradition done for many centuries.

This weekend when you are running errands, head to the hardware store and pick up some cedar planks. Oh- be sure they are untreated non-resined wood, no thicker than 1 inch. Cedar and alder are popular choices, but mesquite, cherry, peach, apple, and oak also add their own unique flavors. Just give it a try and have a good time. Enjoy.

Cedar Plank Fish

makes two servings

chefgeorgehirsch.comGeorge Hirsch Lifestyle

1 cedar plank

Two 10-ounce salmon, trout or halibut fillets

juice of one fresh lemon

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons maple syrup

3 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh ground black pepper

2 Tablespoons butter

Soak plank in water to cover 1 hour; drain.

Pre heat Grill to high.

Rub plank with one tablespoon olive oil. Place fillets on plank; season with pepper, parsley, syrup and lemon juice. Top with remaining olive oil.

Grill 10-14 minutes or until fish is cooked. The thickness of the fillets will determine final cooking time.

Prior to serving top with fresh butter and serve with extra fresh lemon slices.