Looking for a delicious and fun weekend getaway fun for the whole family? Then head to Ocean Shores’ Razor Clam Festival and Seafood Extravaganza Friday, March 20th to Sunday the 22nd.
This clam-tastic weekend features all sorts of family fun events, like clam shovel decorating, mechanical shark rides, and chowder tasting where you can cast your vote for People’s Choice!
But make sure you don’t miss the chowder cook offs – both chefs and amateurs battle it out with their best chowders for big bragging rights. Who will be best on the beach this year?
Razor clams are a definite northwest delicacy. If you want to try your hand and “shovel,” be sure to check out the Washington department of Fish and Wildlife website for dig info. Don’t forget your clam license, fishing or waterproof gloves and boots. And remember: Never ever turn your back to the surf!
The Razor Clam Dance!
Once you’ve reached your razor clam limits, check out this video that my friend Scott Surdyke and I made on how to clean them properly. And for a super tasty way of cooking this bi-valve, try our recipe for our Clam-tastic Razor Clam Fritters with my Rock-the-World Tartar Sauce below.
So cross your fingers for sunny weather, pack warm and head on over to Ocean Shores for a clam-tastic time. -Kathy
Scott & Kathy’s CLAMTASTIC Razor Clam Fritters
Makes 24 – 26 fritters
3 cups chopped/diced razor clams
3 cups Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix with buttermilk
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp lemon pepper
1 Tbsp minced lemon zest
2 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
Fresh-ground pepper to taste
1 Tbsp minced garlic
3/4 cup clam nectar (or reserved clam juice)
1/4 cup Northwest amber beer, flat
2 eggs, whisked
1/2 cup minced celery
3/4 cup fresh corn kernels
6 scallions/green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped orange or red bell pepper (about 1/2 pepper)
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Crisco shortening for frying
Lemon wedges for garnish/squeezing
Kathy Casey’s Ultimate Rock-the-World Tartar Sauce (recipe follows)
Drain the clams and save any juice for use in recipe.
In a large bowl combine the Krusteaz, corn meal, baking powder, lemon pepper, zest, salt and pepper. Stir in the garlic, clam nectar/juice, beer and eggs to combine.
Then fold in the celery, corn, green onions, bell pepper and drained clams.
Heat 2-inches of Crisco in a large cast iron skilled till hot – about 375 degrees. Scoop out fritters a few at time – I use a 1/4 cup measure – they should be kind of spread out and not too thick. Fry on first side till golden and then flip over. Continue frying till golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Cook fritters in batches being sure oil stays hot. Keep fritters warm in a 300 degree oven on a rack if needed – but they are best served right away – the fritter cook will just have to keep cooking! Serve with Rock the World Tartar Sauce and fresh lemons.
Recipe by Scott Surdyke and Kathy Casey.
Kathy’s Rock-The-World Tartar Sauce
Makes 2 cups
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickle or dill pickle relish
2 Tbsps drained capers, chopped
1 green onion, very thinly sliced
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce
2 Tbsps chopped parsley
1/4 tsp celery seed
2 Tbsps fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients.
Recipe adapted from Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table, Chronicle Books
