How Many Clams?

[Andy M.]

My daughter is planning a cookout in mid-August. She will be serving steamed clams. steak tips. burgers and dogs and the prerequisite array of side dishes and salads.

My question is the quantity of clams to plan for each person. She expects about 20 people. I'm clueless because I'm allergic to clams and, as a result, never deal with them.

Your assistance is appreciated.

 

[pdswife]

I buy a pound of clams and a pound of muscles for Paul and I and it works out pretty well.

 

[VeraBlue]

Clams come in a variety of sizes...steamers are fairly large. Is the plan to steam/stuff them? Or simply eat them off the shell with a bit of sauce?

Assuming 1/3 of the crowd won't eat them....and it's probably closer to half, but I always err on the side of way too much food...I'd make 4 dozen, but 3 dozen will surely be enough.

 

[Andy M.]

Clams come in a variety of sizes...steamers are fairly large. Is the plan to steam/stuff them? Or simply eat them off the shell with a bit of sauce?

Assuming 1/3 of the crowd won't eat them....and it's probably closer to half, but I always err on the side of way too much food...I'd make 4 dozen, but 3 dozen will surely be enough.

Thanks, Vera! The clams will not be stuffed, just steamed and served with a sauce.

 

[pacanis]

Three dozen for twenty people (assuming 1/3 won't eat them)?
I'd plan for the pigs. There will be some people who will probably go to town on them. Assuming they are made like appetizers and eat like the people In know.
I can easily down a dozen cherrynecks if I know I won't be eating for ten minutes....
Muscles would be cheaper and are sweeter IMO.

 

[buckytom]

lol, i thought you were asking how much the entire cookout would cost at first...
i'd go with about 6 little necks per person, or 3 - 4 cherrystones. if you're making soft shell, or pi$$ clams, it depends on the size. the same ratios with smaller to larger soft shells would work.

i agree with vb that about 1/3rd won't eat them, but also with pacanis that they go down easily to others, so in my estimation you're talking 7 dozen littlenecks, or 4 dozen cherrystones.

 

[Maverick2272]

I also agree with Pacanis on the Muscles, and BT on the amount. I think you will find they go faster than you think they will. As VB said 'steamers' are somewhat larger, so at least 5 dozen I would say if you get the larger ones, 7 dozen if you get the smaller ones.
Interesting terminology: cherrystones, cherrynecks, littlenecks, LOL all new to me!

 

[buckytom]

lol, never heard of a cherryneck.
the sizes of eastern hardshell clams goes, from smaller to larger: countnecks, little necks, top necks, cherrystones, and finally quahogs.

countnecks are smaller then a quarter, and quahogs are as big as your hand.

 

[pacanis]

so in my estimation you're talking 7 dozen littlenecks, or 4 dozen cherrystones.

Or that hybrid I invented last night, the cherryneck clam Sheesh

 

[GotGarlic]

I know it's bad form to correct spelling, but I have this horrible vision of people chewing on the muscles in their arms The shellfish are mussels.

 

[pacanis]

No wonder it didn't look right. I kept switching the c and s around and finally just said to heck with it and hit reply.

 

[Lizannd]

clams are usually a big hit here and we buy them in

50 pound bags for cookouts so I am not really sure about the count. I would allow at least 1 dozen per person(20) as an appetizer. That would give the clam lovers about 1 1/2 dozen each.

 

[Andy M.]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the insights!

 

[Jeekinz]

Clams Casino appatizer usually comes with 5 clams....that's for normal people. I could eat 30 and go back for seconds.

Where's this party? .......exactly?

 

[pacanis]

Clams Casino appatizer usually comes with 5 clams....that's for normal people. I could eat 30 and go back for seconds.

Where's this party? .......exactly?

Look for the taco truck parked in the drive with CA plates

 

[Andy M.]

Clams Casino appatizer usually comes with 5 clams....that's for normal people. I could eat 30 and go back for seconds.

Where's this party? .......exactly?

There will be a lot of other food available. Clams are not the center of attention.

If you want directions to the party you have to go to Helen Bach.

 

[Jeekinz]

Yeah, I meant 5 PP would be good.

 

[Andy M.]

Yeah, I meant 5 PP would be good.

I got that, thanks. That works out to about 8.5 dozen.

 

[Bigjim68]

I think I would overbuy clams. Those who like them are going to eat little else. If you invite me, plan at least dozen. I do agree with the mussel idea. A three pound bag will serve a lot of people, a marinara sauce for mussels works well. Leftover clams can be chopped or sliced and frozen for soups or fried. Popping the clams on the grill instead of steaming frees up the kitchen for other uses. You probably will not need a container for the done ones. People will be eating them off the grill.

 

[elaine l]

typically steamers come in a much larger portion than other types of clams. I just love them and wish I was going to the party! May have to buy my own and steam them.