Firsts and Seafood in the “Live Free or Die” State

Let’s start with the firsts, and we’ll finish with the seafood. 

New Hampshire (nicknamed "The Granite State" referring to its extensive granite formations and quarries) was the first

• of the British North American colonies to establish a government independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain's authority.
• to establish its own state constitution.
• to have its delegates vote for the Declaration of Independence.

Then there’s Paul Revere’s first ride through Portsmouth Harbor to warn local patriots that the British were coming, then the ensuing raid when the British soldiers fired upon the rebels, making those the first shots in the American Revolutionary period.

Also, the United States Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788, when New Hampshire became the ninth state to do so. Talk about importance and being an influencer. 

Come to think of it, those are some words I’d use to describe my girlfriends!

Let’s Eat…in! 

And now for the seafood! It’s said that one of the foods that a person must eat in New Hampshire is Steamed Clams (aka Steamers) or Soft Shell Clams. One of our favorite chefs, Jacques Pépin, praises them saying they are "plentiful and inexpensive during the summer, especially in the Northeast, steamers are one of the great treats of the season.”

Garlic Butter Steamers

This is a quick, easy, fun recipe to enjoy with My Girlfriendships® crew while sipping a nice Sauvignon Blanc and enjoying the spring weather.

Ingredients for 2 | Multiply by degree of hunger, divide by number of girlfriends!

Ingredients

•     2 tablespoons butter, melted

•     2 cloves garlic, minced

•     1 1/2 pounds soft shell clams, cleaned and scrubbed

•     1/4 cup white wine

•     1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf, Italian parsley

•     salt to taste

Directions

Step 1

Heat a small pot and add the melted butter. 

Step 2

Add the garlic and sauté until you smell the aroma, but don’t let it get brown.

Step 3

Add the soft shell clams into the pot, stir to combine well.

Step 4

Add the white wine and cover the pot with its lid.

Step 5

As soon as all clams open up, add the parsley and salt to taste.

Step 6

Serve immediately with melted butter for dipping.

Recipe note: There is a thin grey-colored membrane that covers the “neck”…remove thoroughly before eating. 

Let’s Eat…out! 

Are you “girls weekending” and looking for a night out? Here are two great options for your next gathering:

• The Barley House, Concord  |  The Barley House has been going strong for 20 years. It’s the place in Concord if you want to enjoy a cool craft beer bar and a high-quality dining experience. 
  

I picture us mingling, celebrating My Girlfriendships, indulging in a delicious meal while gathering at the vibrant bar. The Curry Fish & Chips—haddock in curry beer batter with tartar, coleslaw, and french fries sounds like the fitting meal for hanging with my crew! 

• Surf Restaurant, Portsmouth  |  Speaking of fresh seafood (remember the historical reference to Portsmouth Harbor), the team of chefs at the Surf Restaurant work with seafood buyers every single day to get the best. Since opening in 2002, Surf has set the standard in New Hampshire for fresh, exquisitely prepared seafood.Their daily specials are often sourced from local fisherman who know where to send the best fish of the day. The chefs at Surf go to these great lengths for one reason—their high standards of excellence demand that every ingredient they use is the best. Guests rave about the freshness of the seafood, but really, the only way to know is to taste it. 
  

Sounds like a great idea! My choice will be the raw bar and oysters on the half shell with a cold one.

Recipe source:

https://rasamalaysia.com/soft-shell-clams-steamers-with-garlic-butter/

Photo credit:

Fish and Chips