CLAM CAKES RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Rinse the clams in several changes of cold water and drain well. Tip the clams into a large pan with 500ml of water. Cover, bring to the boil and simmer for 2 mins until the clams have just opened. Tip the contents of the pan into a colander over a bowl to catch the clam stock. When cool enough to handle, remove the clams from their shells – reserving a handful of empty shells for presentation if you want. Strain the clam stock into a jug, leaving any grit in the bottom of the bowl. You should have around 800ml stock.
• Heat the butter in the same pan and sizzle the bacon for 3-4 mins until it starts to brown. Stir in the onion, thyme and bay and cook everything gently for 10 mins until the onion is soft and golden. Scatter over the flour and stir in to make a sandy paste, cook for 2 mins more, then gradually stir in the clam stock then the milk and the cream.
• Throw in the potatoes, bring everything to a simmer and leave to bubble away gently for 10 mins or until the potatoes are cooked. Use a fork to crush a few of the potato chunks against the side of the pan to help thicken – you still want lots of defined chunks though. Stir through the clam meat and the few clam shells, if you've gone down that route, and simmer for a minute to reheat. Season with plenty of black pepper and a little salt, if needed, then stir through the parsley just before ladling into bowls or hollowed-out crusty rolls.

Steps:

• In a large skillet put the onion, carrot, and potatoes. Add the clam juice from the canned clams. And then add enough water just to cover the veggies.
• Let cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes…or until soft.
• While those are cooking add butter to a large soup pot, melt it. Whisk in the flour, then the cream and milk right about the time the veggies are done.
• When the veggies are done add them, the thyme, Old Bay, salt and pepper to the large soup pot. Stir everything. Heat but don’t boil.
• Stir the clams, vinegar, and wine in just at the end. Taste and add more seasoning as needed.
• Serve warm with fresh parsley on top. And bread. Always serve with bread…yum!