The pot for 12 gets pretty full and heavy so we started steaming the clams separately using some of the broth from the big pot, works nicely for for me. This year I had a helper or two and they steamed the clams in EVOO, garlic and fresh herbs, adding the pot broth for the steaming liquid. Wonderful, we proclaimed it the best one pot and one pan meal ever.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1-2 cans of beer
• 1/4 cup phillips seafood seasoning
• 2 small potatoes per person
• 1 small onion per person
• 3 pounds variety of smoked sausages, italian etc. cut into 3 inch pieces
• 8 ears of corn cut in half
• 5 pounds unpeeled shrimp seasoned with a little seafood seasoning
• 4 dozen littleneck clams
• 6 carrots, peeled and cut into 3 inch chunks
• 2 lemons quartered, i love roasted lemons. some for the pot some to serve with the clams and shrimp
• 1 big steamer pot with basket insert
• 2 celery ribs

Directions

1. Bring the water, beer, seafood seasoning, 1 lemon, celery to a rolling boil. To the basket add the potatoes, small onions and carrots, cover and boil for 10 minutes. Add corn and sausages cook for another 10 minutes. (If making a considerably smaller amount, like for 4 people, toss in the clams next and steam until they are almost open), but for 12 hungry people I now take some of the pot broth and steam the clams separately. Finally add the seasoned shrimp, steam until they turn pink. Lift the basket and pour everything into a huge platter or two, ladle some of the broth over serving extra in little pitchers. Have some cocktail sauce for the shrimp and mustard for the sausages if you like.