FRIED CLAM BELLIES

- Begin by scrubbing your clams of any sand or grit in cold water. Hold the clam firmly in one hand, using the towel to protect your hand from the sharp shell edges. Position the clam with the hinge (the pointed end) facing towards you and the rounded side down.

-With your other hand, carefully insert the tip of the knife into the seam of the clam’s shell near the hinge. Wiggle the knife gently to pry the shell open.

- Once you’ve inserted the knife, slide it along the seam of the clam’s shell, keeping the blade as close to the top shell as possible. Apply gentle pressure to separate the top and bottom shells.

- Once you’ve worked the knife along the entire seam, carefully lift off the top shell, exposing the clam meat inside. Look for the muscle that connects the clam meat to the bottom shell. Use the knife to carefully cut through this muscle, freeing the clam meat from the shell.

- Carefully lift the clam meat out of the bottom shell, either with your fingers or by sliding the knife underneath it. Repeat this process for the rest of the clams, adding them to the bowl of buttermilk as you work.

- In a large bowl combine dry batter ingredients and toss bellies in the mixture until fully coated. 

- Heat a neutral oil (vegetable) to 350 F over stovetop and gently place clams into oil to fry for about 1 minute. 

- Combine cocktail sauce ingredients, top fried clams with fresh lemon juice

Enjoy! xo Hailey💛