AUTHOR: Julia TITLE: Where There's Smoke, There's Deliciousness (Recipe: Roasted Wellfleet Clams with Smoked Tomatoes) DATE: 9/14/2009 10:30:00 AM ----- BODY:
How do you smoke a turkey? From the butt-end.... ba-da-bum!
(Thanks goodness I have a day job!)

When I preserve tomatoes for the winter, I stew a case for all-purpose cooking, and smoke a case for a more jazzy supply. The smoked tomatoes add depth to so many of my favorite dishes, including -- Beef Stew, Chicken Enchiladas, Ricotta Ravioli with Tomato Sauce.

I don't have a proper smoker, but I use my Weber Charcoal Grill. While the fire is blazing in the grill, I soak 2 cups of apple wood chips in water or wine. Just as the fire starts to wind down, I drain the wood chips, and toss them on the smoldering charcoal. I replace the cooking grate, and fill it with tomatoes (and as I did the other night -- also jalapenos and chicken). I'm careful to place the food away from the direct heat. I don't want the food to cook too quickly. And, should there be a flare-up, I don't want the food to burn. I cover the grill, leaving the vents just cracked open... and walk away for at least 30 minutes.

With the smoked tomatoes, I make another summer-time favorite, enjoying the last few sparkles of the warm weather....
Roasted Wellfleet Clams with Smoked Tomatoes and Grilled Bread
2 tablespoons butter
1 onions sliced
3 cloves garlic
2 dozen Wellfleet or other littleneck clams
3 smoked tomatoes
1/4 cup white wine
4 slices of crusty bread for grilling

1. In a large skillet, over medium - high heat, melt butter. Add onions and garlic and cook until they're soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add clams and toss in butter/onion mix until well coated and the clam shells begin to roast
3. Add tomatoes and white wine. Cover pan, and cook for 5 minutes or until all the clams have opened.
4. Toast or grill bread
5. Serve clams with grilled bread for soaking up all the yummy juices.

Optional: Serve with grilled corn and/or chicken.


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----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types DATE:9/14/2009 04:08:00 PM Ah, the secret of the smoked tomatoes, and they are delicious! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous noble pig DATE:9/14/2009 05:06:00 PM I am laughing at the joke but my goodness this looks delicious...smoked tomatoes...mmm. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger adele DATE:9/15/2009 08:51:00 AM Smoked tomatoes? I like this idea... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:OpenID lydiatheperfectpantry DATE:9/15/2009 07:25:00 PM Love the addition of a smoky flavor with clams, without having to use bacon. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Julia DATE:9/17/2009 09:16:00 AM T.W. -- glad you liked the tomatoes! What have you used them with?

noble pig -- I'm glad someone appreciates my warped sense of humor.

adele -- they're addictive.

Lydia -- exactly! ----- --------