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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.

The wood is arranged, ignited, and allowed to burn to ashes. Then the ashes are swept away, allowing the rocks to cook the food. Make sure the fire will quickly burn out after the right cooking temperature is reached. The ashes are then swept away from the stones and are placed in between the stones for insulation.

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.

Many different preparations of the New England clambake exist, one is cooking it in metal pots and pans, this is called a New England Clam Boil. New England clambake was originally prepared in a rock-lined sand hole, this method predates the settling of the English colonies.

You might wish to try a lobster clambake. It can be prepared outside, in a metal container, or inside in large pots. If you wish to skip cooking, hire a professional who will bring his own equipment, and even set the fire it is cooked over. A relatively recent addition is the finished clambake which can be picked up or delivered.

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.