Clam cake facts for kids
| Alternative names | Clam fritter |
|---|---|
| Type | Seafood |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Region or state | New England Rhode Island |
Clam cakes are a yummy snack often called clam fritters. They are a popular food from New England in the United States. You'll find them most often in Rhode Island. But you can also enjoy them in Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts.
These tasty treats are like little balls of batter mixed with chopped clams. They are then cooked by deep frying them until they are golden brown.
Clam cakes are often served at places where you can get take-out food. They are great as finger food. A common meal includes several clam cakes, french fries, and coleslaw. People often eat them with clam chowder, a creamy soup. You can also dip clam cakes in clam chowder, tartar sauce, or ketchup.
Clam fritters are especially popular during clamming season. This is when there are lots of clams available. During certain times, people can even dig for their own clams. Since fresh clams need to be used quickly, clam cakes are a great way to enjoy them!
Food writer Hank Shaw described clam cakes as being like a savory donut. He said they are "Crispy, golden brown on the outside, pillowy and light on the inside." He also mentioned the "slightest aroma of brine" and "tiny chunks of clam" inside.
How Clam Cakes Are Made
Each clam cake is a deep-fried ball. It is made from a mixture that includes chopped clam. People usually use a type of clam called a quahog. Other ingredients are added to make the mixture firm. This gives it a texture like a hushpuppy once it's fried.
The batter for clam cakes is usually made from flour, milk, clam juice, and eggs. A leavening agent, like baking powder, is also added. This helps the cakes become light and fluffy. Some recipes might also include cornmeal.
The History of Clam Cakes
There's a local story about where clam cakes first came from. Many people believe they were first served at a seafood restaurant called Aunt Carrie's. This restaurant is in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The story says that Carrie Cooper invented clam cakes in 1920. She supposedly added fresh clams to her corn fritter recipe. This created the first clam fritters.
However, recipes for clam cakes are actually much older. They can be found as far back as the 1800s. Clam cakes have been an old favorite food in Rhode Island for a very long time.
See also
In Spanish: Clam cake para niños
