New England clam boil

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The New England clam boil is a traditional New England meal and a simple substitute for the New England clam bake. It is less famous than the clam bake, but is easier to prepare in modern kitchens. It is a one pot meal, made by boiling clams in a pot with other ingredients, such as potatoes, onions, hot dogs, sausages, linguiça, chouriço, and American lobsters. Since these ingredients have different cooking times, they are often placed in mesh bags, each ingredient in a different bag. Thus the "clam bag" can easily be put in all at once or taken out all at once. A few places sell clam boil "kits". In general, the lobster tends to be used in northern New England, while sausages tend to be used in southern New England. Boiling with clams changes the flavor of the sausages, making them milder, but the major function of the sausages is really as a filler, so fewer clams are required, and to provide something for finicky children who may be sharing the meal. These items are then dunked in melted butter, drawn butter or clam juice, and served with corn on the cob. The New England clam boil is a popular meal at summer family gatherings.