Pacific Northwest Boil Food

PACIFIC NORTHWEST BOIL

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring all ingredients except seafood and corn to a boil, cooking until potatoes are almost tender, 8-10 minutes. Tip: The husband utilized a tea infuser for the loose spices.
• Add clams, cooking 2-3 minutes more.
• Add corn and prawns, cooking 1-2 more minute just until corn is tender, clams open up, and prawns are cooked through (do not overcook). Husband: "I also checked the prawns and corn after a minute and ended up cooking them for about 3 minutes total. It really depends how the corn does.".
• Remove from heat and cover if it needs a few seconds more cook time before draining in a large colander and *saving* the liquid. Serve immediately. Great with crusty bread to sop up the broth!
• To serve: Place the broth in one serving bowl and the remaining ingredients in another. Spoon the seafood/sausage mixture into individual soup bowls then ladle some broth into the bowl. Have another large bowl handy on the table for the discarded shells.
• Idea: if you have any broth leftover, it worked quite well for cooking up a pot of white rice the next day by replacing broth for water.

EASY PACIFIC NORTHWEST STEAMERS

Steps:

• Rinse and drain clams; set aside.
• Heat olive oil in large heavy pot over medium heat.
• Add garlic, dill, and thyme and heat until garlic is just starting to brown (about 2 min).
• Add sherry and water and heat until steaming (about 1 min).
• Add clams, cover pot and cook 5 minutes.
• Add butter and stir gently until well blended with juices.
• Ladle out clams into a large serving bowl.
• Remove any clams that did not open all the way.
• Pour remaining juices over clams.
• Serve hot with fresh bread on the side.
• I served this with a lighter beer and fruity white wine in keeping with flavors of the Pacific Northwest.
• Don't forget another bowl to throw the shells in!