A clambake on the beach will be a real treat for anyone who likes to cook lobster meat and other seafood in the traditional way. It is a common way to prepare seafood in the New England coastal areas and is a ritual you will long remember. Begin by digging a pit in the sand. Then place a number of smooth stones in the center of the pit.

Wood is lit on fire, arranged on a group of rocks, and allowed to burn until it becomes ash. These ashes are cast aside, whereupon the heated rocks actually cook the food. It's important to ensure that the fire burns out quickly---preferably after the desired temperature has been achieved. Thuen, the stones are swept clean of ashes, and arranged so that the bottom is insulated.

Seaweeds from the shoreline are collected and then piled on these rocks. Layers of potatoes, onions, clams, lobsters and corn in the husks are then placed on top of the seaweeds. Another layer of seaweed is then added and a canvas moistened by seawater is placed over all of it. This keeps the heat in. The entire meal is then steamed for several hours. The result is a delicious feast which you will never forget.

It takes an entire day to do the cooking for a New England clambake. Some people think its fun to undertake the cooking themselves. Others, however, prefer to hire professional clambake caterers to do the work for them. Most cooks use a large pot for clambake cooking, because many areas won't allow people to build fires on the beaches.

In a traditional New England clambake, the food is heated in a pit that is dug on the beach and lined with rocks. This method was in use in the New England area before the English arrived. There are other alternatives, like the New England Clam Boil, which uses a metal pot to cook the food, rather than a pit.

If your feeling adventurous, a lobster clambake can be cooked in metal container in your yard, or even in a steamer on your stovetop. If not, then try a caterer that will prepare it in cooking containers heated by flame. Finally, just try picking up pre made clambake at a store.

If you like traditional methods of cooking, then the New England clambake method may be something to try at your next summer gathering. If you have access to a beach where you can light fires, some firewood, and smooth stones then you can have a clambake. Traditionally, one digs a pit in the sand, covers it with smooth stones, and then firewood on top. Light the fire, let it burn to heat the stones. Clear away the ashes and lay seaweed on top of the rocks. Toss in your lobster meat or other seafood, cover with another layer of seaweed and you have your own lobster clambake.