With Connecticut clambakes, seafood parties can be great. Besides being the tasty food they are, clambakes can also refer to an outdoors gathering of people entertained by luscious and healthy seafood meals with fresh vegetables. It can be adapted into any formal or informal event - family reunion, corporate meeting, wedding party, or just a romantic dinner for two.

The hands-on eating lends itself to a casual atmosphere which makes it a terrific icebreaker when meeting new people. Plainly put, clambakes are fun! And with summer’s approach, it is the perfect moment to get the water boiling.

Clambakes were originally prepared on the beach, over a huge fire. But some local laws have now prohibited beach fires, so today’s technique would have the clambakes cooked over the more efficient propane burner. Even though the traditional method is not often practiced, what’s important is that the traditional atmosphere still lives.

Different kinds of foods may be included in the clambake. Some party hosts even serve quahogs (hard shelled clams) for starters. Others also have steamers (soft shelled clams) dipped in butter and a salty broth. Others also prefer their clambakes to include clam chowder, fresh shrimp, and mussels. Corn on the cob, potatoes, salads, stews, and cornbread are some of the popular accompaniments. As for dessert, ice cream is considered the most popular. With all the many food additions and accompaniments, the lobster bisque recipe is still the most important part of the clambake.

The original clambake method is prepared over a pit along the coast that is two or three feet deep. The pit is then lined with rocks and a large fire that would reach 400 degrees F is set on top of these rocks. Wet seaweeds are then lined on the rocks, layered with potatoes, corn in the husk, and even more seaweeds. The pit is then lined with a tarpaulin which is weighted down with rocks. The clambake is then steamed for about three hours.

A simpler method would have the shellfish and accompaniments steamed on a stovetop. You can also opt to place rocks in a large metal washtub across a couple of stovetop burners. Then layer it with clams and seaweed before pouring in a couple of gallons of seawater. Wait until it boils and then steam it for about twenty minutes to get the distinct clambake flavor.

If seawater and seaweed are just too much, just have the clambake prepared over hot coals on the grill. This will naturally help the live lobster and potatoes boil first as they take a really long time to cook. The clams and corn, however, will be cooked through the grill’s heat.

And if you really want the simplest method of making Connecticut clambakes, put the clams in a pot and add to it chorizo and corn and maybe some aromatics such as shallots and saffron. Just steam it until the clams open. There are indeed many cooking methods to choose from. Whether you opt for the more traditional complicated one, or the much easier pot method, it’s all really up to you. Just never forget to have a great time with your family and friends over the lovely Connecticut clambakes.

By Sherry Shantel

Summer is a great time for entertaining, and a very fun way to entertain is to invite your friends and family over for a clambake. Lobster and clams cooked over a fire, some exotic drinks, brightly colored decorations and appropriate music make for a great time for everyone.

However, when the weather is not cooperating, or even when winter hits, why not hold a lobster clambake indoors? What a great way to bring the illusion of summer to a cold winter day! And it’s a fun, easy and healthy way to entertain.

In place of any old lobster clambake, consider having a super deluxe lobster clambake, which is sure to please a variety of tastes. For your indoor clambake, purchase some fresh lobster, clams, shrimp, mussels, and maybe even some crab. You might also want to include some lobster bisque or clam chowder on the menu, in addition to roasted potatoes and corn on the cob.

In addition to the food for your super deluxe lobster clambake, you will want to have a good supply of lobster bibs on hand, claw crackers, lots and lots of napkins, and a good supply of pre-moistened towlettes. Seafood is delicious but it can be very messy!

You may be wondering how you can have an indoor clambake, when the clams and other seafood at a clambake are traditionally cooked in a pit over an open fire. Easy! For this super deluxe lobster clambake you will be doing all of the cooking on the traditional indoor stovetop!

Lobster stock pot is the only special equipment required to complete the cooking of lobster. A variety of models are available in the market and some incorporate a steamer rack and basket. Cooking supply stores and Internet are the places one should look for. As you search the net for your lobster stock pot , you should do an extra search for an indoor clambake recipe that sounds good.

To make planning and preparing for you party even easier, there are many super deluxe lobster clambake kits available. They can easily be found by searching the Internet. Many of the kits contain everything you need, including wetnaps, claw crackers and cloth napkins, in addition to the seafood itself. All you’ll need to shop for are the vegetables and you’ll be all set for the most popular party of the season.

So what is the next step with all of this? Well, to get your clambake ordered of course! The best place to research almost anything is the Internet, the Super Deluxe clambake is no different. Enter that specific phrase into the search engines and then visit with the top two or three entries. Call them if necessary to get a feel for how they do business. Once you have accomplished this, order up your clambake and get ready to invite over some friends.

By Shannon Linnen

The Japanese suffer less heart attacks and cholesterol problems than many other nationalities. The Bengalis in India stay lean and healthy and they share a common feature with many other people staying near the sea. They love seafood and call them ‘flowers of the sea’. Indeed, the oceans present us with a variety of delicacies that are also healthy. Just like the flowers, many fish and crustaceans are seasonal while some are for all the year round.

Seafood varieties ranges from fish like tuna, salmon and sardine to the slightly unusual like the blackened catfish cooked with pineapple or vegetable and herbs. Refrigerated and fast supply chain ensures that supermarkets and online vendors are able to provide fresh fish and any of the seafood variety. Only concern for consumers is the level of mercury and other toxins found in fish. Therefore, fresh fish are to be purchased only from trusted sellers.

Differences in fish species ensures that you can enjoy sauteed tilapia, pan-grilled wild salmon or bass and grilled grouper. Delicious, tasty, healthy, good for the heart and gourmet food are some of the words and phrases used to describe the delicacies and there’s a reason.

Oysters, clams, crabs, lobsters, shrimps and scallops are only a small part of the seafood variety from which you can chose. Seared scallops, grilled shrimps or steam mussels will cause your mouth to water. With a doubt, however, the experience of eating Alaskan king crab legs beats it all. It is very simple to prepare; the leg meat can be purchased cooked and frozen. In order to experience it all you have to do is to thaw, rinse and steam heat the meat. Boiling and baking are also common methods of preparation.

There are varietis of King crabs in red, golden and blue, with red tasting the sweetest and blue yielding more meat. Golden is usually smaller than the other two. Relish the meat of alaskan king crab legs by dipping it in a bowl of hot melted butter, interspersed with sips of white wine to complete the delight. Then relax with contentment for such a delightful meal. But do try to wipe off that satisfied grin on your face.

If you think that stuffed quahogs are exotic dish, you are way off the mark. Quahogs are just a type of clams with round shell. They can be stuffed with all sorts of vegetables, herbs and sauces and even with crabmeat and baked, steamed, sauteed. You can have them as appetizers or as side dish.

Whether you are a seafood connoisseur, or just getting into seafood one thing is certain. The variety that is offered by choosing seafood dishes is truly endless. As a last resort you can always take a standard dish and just include smoe type of seafood as an accent piece. A normal rice pilaf can be transformed easily into a tasty and exotic dish just by adding a Tuna Fillet.

It is important to note that although a very large variety of seafood is available, it is often times difficult to come across items that are in season or may not do well once removed from the ocean. Shrimp is a prime example of this, when removed from saltwater a shrimp has a very short life expectancy. Due to this they are immediately cooked and then flash frozen so they can easily be shipped. Lobster on the other hand can be shipped overnight by any reputable online vendor. Quality Fresh Seafood is a prime choice when having your fresh seafood delivered overnight.

By Shannon Linnen

For a light yet delicious meal, consider an appetizer of smoked oysters to start. These tasty treats can be bought in most markets as well as chosen farms that specially breed them to sell.One of the greatest dishes to serve during summer is smoked seafood.If you are lucky enough to live by a port or in a town near the ocean, you will probably find oysters easily. Some may need to venture further away, but the trip will be worth your while!

Smoked seafood treats can be enjoyed year around. Don’t let the small fact that Summer is over stop you from enjoying the delicious, smoky flavors of smoked seafood all year around. Truly when you get right down to it, smoked seafood is a year around treat. Throwing a social event in the fall and winter months is always a good idea. Spice up the level of entertainment by including a few smoked seafood treats.

Clams are a very popular addition to pasta dishes. Hard clams, also called quahogs, live in sandy coves and can be caught when the tide is low. Smoked seafood also includes clams, smoked scallops and mussels. Farm-raised cultured mussels are fresh and readily available. And, of course, there is always clam chowder! Wild varieties are equally delicious.A great dish to enjoy with butter and garlic is stuffed quahogs.

Scallops require very little preparation and are meatier than clams. Sea scallops are delightfully large, though must be shucked (removed from their shells) almost immediately after capture to ensure they don’t lose moisture and die. It is important not to overcook smoked scallops, or you will end up with a chewy, inedible food.

Mussels come with blue-black shells and brown hairs called byssal threads attached to their shell. Their meat is usually an orange color and they are full of protein. As with clams, mussels taste great smoked and should remain encased in their shell while cooking.

Other smoked seafood includes smoked crab and smoked shrimp. Crab is maybe the most popular shellfish and is widely bought and eaten. The crabbing industry is a multi-million dollar one. While eating crab can be messy and often difficult, special tools have been created to make cracking crab easier. Once you get down to the meaty goodness of crab legs, you will want to make this smoked seafood part of your everyday diet!

It adds a Cajun flavor to classic Creole dishes such as Jambalaya and gumbo. Whatever way you choose to serve, it, shrimp cooked in this manner will make any meal one to remember. Shrimp can be added to any meal and is a great variation in burritos, tacos, pasta dishes and more. Smoked shrimp spices up stews and soups.

When all other food choices have been exhausted, there is always smoked seafood. Not only is this an under utilized seafood dish, it is also extremely tasty. Serving smoked seafood dish will certainly liven up any social event you either throw or attend. Surprise everyone by showing up with a serving dish full of different types of smoked seafood.

By Shannon Linnen

Although the relation between eating ocean fresh seafood and general improvements with regard to health has been known for ages, the exact mechanisms behind the phenomenon might have been considered somewhat ambiguous until recently. A high-protein and low-fat kind of sustenance as various fish and other sea fauna species are, not all the benefits provided by eating them could have been explained via such simple reasons.

There is some research that has been conducted recently that shows how wild caught fish may very well be the better choice than farm raised items. This is due in part to raised Mercury levels in fish that have been farm raised. It is really still too early to tell what the long term impact on an individuals health this will have, if any.

Even though the industry is manipulating almost every food source, and adding all kinds of growth hormones, biologically altering food and generally meddling with nature. All in the name of increaseing profits, fish remains a good choice for a healthy diet.

Following the introduction of new technologies, however, and the discovery of omega-3 fatty acids and their key role to various aspects of human health, the benefits of enjoying a diet rich in, for instance, maine lobster meat or other kinds of fresh seafood suddenly became far more visible and clear.

The almost magical activity by the omega-3s starts as early as on fetal stage of human development. Docosahexaenoic acid, commonly found in fish, crab and lobster meat, is an essential component for building brain and nerve fetal tissue as well as the retina. Consequently, research suggests that higher consumption of fresh seafood low in mercury by a pregnant woman is beneficial for infant cognition.

Health advantages persist after birth. Studies have been confirmed positive impact of omega-3 diet on resistance to asthma development in young children as well as reduced incidence of airway inflammation cases. And when it comes to adults, they may have really many good excuses for enjoying specialties like live lobster and king crab legs.

Consumption of fresh seafood was proven reduce prevalence of depression in new mothers as well as make them less prone to breast cancer. Omega 3s present in the diet also protect against a variety of cardiovascular diseases, prevent strokes, improve eye and brain functions. Finally, they can halt mental decline later in the life - thus saving the happy fresh seafood lovers manifold the costs of their hobby.

Fish contain multiple advisable substances. They are plentiful in Vitamin D, which offers strong anti-cancer and bone-building qualities. Salmon contain Astaxanthin, which is a powerful anti-oxidant that confers a host of documented health benefits. It also gives salmon their orange coloring.

Finally, utilizing natural ingredients found in widely available food items is in line with most modern medical trends and the prevalent notion that it is much more efficient to prevent diseases than to cure them. To sum up - eat and enjoy.

By Shannon Linnen

Now that you’ve decided on a smoked salmon gift basket, it’s time to address your concerns. Major factors such as cost, the taste that you’re looking for, and what items you would like to place in your basket are all essential to answer. The tastes of the friend you’re sending the basket too is also very important.

An Atlantic smoked salmon gift basket can easily meet any and all standards that you’ve set for your gift. It has a bold flavor, paired with gorgeous color, and is pleasing to the palate and to the eye. It’s sure to be the hit of any meal or get together.

You have many Atlantic salmon choices when preparing your gift basket. Your first decision is to decide which appeals to you more, wild caught salmon, or farmed salmon. Both have an excellent taste, and amazing colors, and are great choices.

Wild salmon is a great gift for those on your list who enjoy organic or natural products. Caught in the wild, wild salmon it is thought by some to be healthier for you, and more environmentally sound than other options, and is sure to delight.

Farmed raised salmon is salmon which is raised for the purpose of eating. It is less expensive than wild salmon, and retains the same great taste. It also includes the same benifits provided by omega-3 fatty acids, found in all salmon, which helps to keep your heart healthy.

Once that choice is made, you can move on to what else you would like to include in your Atlantic smoked salmon gift basket. You can stop simply with salmon fillets, but with so many great products to choose from, you should seriously consider branching out.

Products such as smoked salmon spread are great for any snackers on your list. And canned smoked salmon is an excellent way to prepare a gourmet smoked salmon meal in a quick, easy way. You can also give an excellent gourmet gift by including salmon roe caviar.

Atlantic smoked salmon gift baskets are a healthy and easy way to give a gift that impresses and surprises. It is easy to prepare a basket that fits your tastes and budget. With an Atlantic smoked salmon gift basket, you’re sure to bring a smile to any face.

By Sherry Shantel

For many people, a life without chocolate would be completely inconceivable. There is not a holiday in existence that doesn’t in some way involve this wonderful food. When it comes to selecting a present for that rare someone, viewing a loved one tear apart a container of chewy treats is always an enjoyable experience. Once the carton is opened, it becomes quite difficult for anyone to avoid reaching their hand in for a taste as the smell of sweet candy envelopes the room.

Over 2000 years ago, when the first people in Central America began making chocolate, people have thought of the candy with an air of luxury. Through time, chocolate gifts have been used when a bribe was required, a treat wanted, or simply to savor the feelings of comfort.

One of the components of chocolate truffles that makes the experience so fantastic is the addictive elements associated with chocolate. What’s really intriguing is that one of the elements is the same substance that provides a high to those using marijuana. The sweet candy includes cannabinoids, although in a far lower amount than that in marijuana. However, when you mix ingredients such as caffeine, tyramine, and tryptophan, the brain is flooded with serotonin and the feelings of joy are felt.

In whole, over 300 elements are found in chocolate. Other ingredients a person assimilates when eating their chocolate truffles are phenylethylamine and theobromine. Phenylethylamine and theobromine are forms of stimulants, further showing why people love receiving chocolate gifts.

While the significance chocolate has on the elements of the brain help explain the joy found in consuming things such as chocolate truffles, the sweet taste that touches the tongue can’t be disputed. Because of its fatty nature, each delicious morsel simply melts in one’s mouth, further giving an elevated sensation. Some who suffer from depression, anxiety, or dysphoric mood states are said to crave getting chocolate gifts because of the combination of comfort sensation and the pleasure effect on the brain.

Chocolate gifts have a determined social aspect associated with them. Some parts of families love getting together in the kitchen to mold chocolate. There is a sense of fun that comes from whipping up a tasty treat. Each handmade sweet thing is brought into being with love and the anticipation of seeing the final result gift wrapped and handed over to someone who will get not only the wonderful taste, but the sentiments of comfort that chocolate gives. In addition, some people just love getting up to their elbows in a silken mess as they create items such as chocolate truffles in their own place. The wonderful smells and the laughter representing a good time had by all envelope the air, further helping to correlate gift giving, a sweet candy, and pleasure together.

One of the best chocolate gifts one can give another is a basket stuffed with various types of this delicious treat. Some baskets come stuffed with individual pieces, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate truffles, and so much more. If a large basket doesn’t go with the event properly, then filling a jar full of excellent and sugary candy is another quality option. Another fabulous way to give chocolate is the normal box of individually wrapped morsels. Either way, the loved one on the receiving end will delight in their newfound bonus.

When it’s time to pick up chocolate truffles, don’t hesitate to stop in the closest candy store or surf to one of the online manufacturers concentrating on providing everyone’s preferred candy. Candy isn’t the only thing obtained when chocolate is given. A sense of celebration, comfort, community, prestige, and that amazing taste all come from chocolate gifts. Nothing could be superior.

No matter what anyone says, seafood is healthy and should be a part of everyone’s diet. Seafood in general is high in nutrients and vitamins, which no other food group can provide. However, you have to be careful about where you get your fish from. Local waters, like lakes and rivers, can be contaminated and your fish could contain chemicals like mercury or PCBs. The easiest way to obtain a healthy serving of fish is to eat at your local restaurant or do some online shopping. Online vendors, located in coastal regions, can usually guarantee overnight shipping and freshness you cannot get from anywhere else.

The biochemistry and the lifestyle of fish are why seafood is healthy. Fish are constantly in motion in order to breathe. Consequently, their entire body and, in particular, the tasty filets that you eat, are composed on lean muscle. Compare the sleek lines of a fish with the chubby, unattractive form of a cow.

A side benefit to eating healthy seafood is that it is so delicious and simple to prepare. Unlike unpleasant "healthy" choices like algae goo and grass juice, seafood tastes wonderful. You can’t go wrong preparing fish dishes. The simplest way to prepare salmon, for example, is to rub it with some spice - simply salt and pepper will do - and pan fry it in a quarter-sized drop of olive oil. 6 minutes on the skin side first, then 3 to 4 minutes on the flesh side should cook an average-sized salmon fillet through.

Add steamed or sautee’d vegetables, and a nutritious family meal is done. The Lobster Meat can be prepared by boiling live lobsters, but dealing with the animals can be troubling. Also, lobster is best with drawn butter, which adds fat and calories not included with pan seared salmon.

Another healthy substitution is to grill tuna steaks instead of greasy hamburgers, at your outdoor grill party.Your guests will agree that seafood is healthy, and it also seems classier than humdrum burgers, when arranged on nice plates with a colorful garnish - maybe grated carrots and a lemon wedge.They prepare exactly the same way.

The healthful features of seafood are the magical omega-3 fatty acids, found mostly in salmon, and reputed to clear up skin problems like acne, rosacea, and age lines. Also "good" cholesterol and "good" fat, and a number of essential vitamins. Fish is important for many near-vegetarians, who rely on fish for protein. These vegetarians are far healthier than those who eat no meat at all.

To conclude, fish is utterly beneficial to your health. It is full of substances that are good for you, and unless the fish is from some unsavory source, it is free of substances that are bad for you. Fish can be prepared very easily, and it takes little seasoning to make seafood taste good. Fish also has the added benefit of being classier than red meat or poultry. Eat some fish today, I know I will.

It can often be difficult to locate a good source for fresh seafood, especially if you live a long way from the coast. This used to be a huge problem, and the only kind of seafood available would have been frozen. Not anymore though! With the introduction of the Internet and Overnight Delivery with either Fedex or UPS, you can now get fresh seafood delivered straight to you. Quality Fresh Seafood is one great choice for an online seafood vendor.

By Shannon Linnen

The clambake dates back to the days of the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Settlers witnessed Native Americans cooking seafood over hot stones and seaweed and thus the famous New England clambake was born. The Homemade Lobster clambake has become a summer tradition not only in New England but also all over the country. Now, with the Internet, you can have Maine live lobster shipped from New England to anywhere in the United States.

The main stars of the clambake are of course, the lobsters. They come in many sizes - the smallest kinds which weigh around 1 - 1.25 pounds are called the chickens, 1.25-pound lobsters are called Quarter, and 1.20-pound are Half lobsters. Those people who have small appetites will be glad with chicken types to be served with another main course. However, for those who prefer to have a hearty meal, they’ll be happier with Quarter or Half lobsters.

There are also different types of shellfish and clams. But you don’t have to worry as any type of shellfish will go well with lobster bisque. But if you want your clambake to be truly authentic, you might want to go with New England steamer clams. These types have soft shells and larger sizes. For every person, about 1 pound of clam is recommended.

Corn on the cob and red bliss potatoes add to the delicious distinct flavor and yummy presentation of authentic New England clambakes that would be surely hard to resist. Both can be boiled, steamed or even grilled just like you do with the lobsters and steamers.

Clambakes used to be prepared by Native Americans in a large fire of hot stones in a pit dug along the coast. But since this method may seem to be quite complicated, you can just opt for the simpler and much better one - cooking with the use of pots or ovens. Steaming is considered the recommended way to cook lobsters, so all you need is a large pot with a steamer basket and some salt.

Have the large pot filled with an approximate 1 and inches of water, and for every quart of water, add a tablespoon of salt. Before placing the lobsters in the steamer basket, bring the water to a boil first. And then place the steamer basket in the pot.

Live Jumbo Lobsters which weigh about a pound should be cooked for 12 minutes while those which weigh a pound a half are ready after about 15 minutes. Periodically check the pot to make sure that the water has not boiled off, if it has, add more water while cooking the lobsters. Then remove the lobsters one by one and pull off one of their small legs. To test if the meat is fully cooked, break open the leg.

You can also add shrimp recipes, mussels and even clam chowder to your lobster clambake for a more lovely and delicious feast. And to make your presentation more nutritious and tempting, add fresh vegetables. Now, your lobster clambake is all set to be served and enjoyed by your guests.

by Sherry Shantel

Smoked salmon is thought by many to be a rare treat, something that you may buy infrequently because of the prohibitive cost. But it is also seen as a delicacy because of its delicious taste. With the variety of smoked salmon gifts, you can find something for anyone, well within your price range.

Lox is the first thing that comes to many minds when thinking about smoked salmon. Smoked salmon served cold, lox is a delicious treat on top of a bagel, or in a salad, and would be enjoyed by anyone on your list to celebrate a birthday or holiday.

There are so many different types of lox to consider when choosing your gift. Wild salmon is thought by many to be superior in taste, and healthier for you. Caught in the wild, it is also good for the planet. Farmed salmon also has an excellent taste, and can be less expensive.

And your choices don’t end there! You can also choose between Alaskan and Atlantic salmon. Wild Alaskan salmon is known to be bold in it’s color, taste, and texture. It’s what comes to mind when talking about smoked salmon. There are many different varieties of Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon to choose from.

Atlantic salmon is filled with flavor, and has a superior texture and brilliant color. Its texture will be sure to wow you the second that you taste it, and it can also be purchased in wild and farmed varieties, whichever best suits your tastes.

But these aren’t the only options for your smoked salmon gift! Canned smoked salmon is a great option if you have limited time. You can use as much as you’d like, and store the rest for later, meaning you can enjoy the great taste any time.

If you’re in the mood for a gourmet treat, you can go with some Salmon Roe Caviar. A fantastic, classy, and tasty treat, it is sure to surprise anyone, and is a smoked salmon gift that can work either at home or in a party.
And if many of these options sound good to you, try a smoked salmon gift basket! You can combine any and all of these options, from farmed Smoked Atlantic Salmon  to caviar, and make everyone you’re giving gifts to happy!

By Sherry Shantel