AboutJennifer Brizzi Expertise I can answer any questions on finding and choosing good seafood, as well as how to prep and cook it once you get it home.
Experience I've been cooking for 35 years, some of it for restaurants and caterers, and seafood is a particular passion of mine. I am a culinary demonstrator, teacher, and food writer. I am currently researching and writing a seafood cookbook and can access all kinds of information on the subject.
Organizations International Association of Culinary Professionals
International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association
Publications FACES, Ulster Publishing Newspapers
Education/Credentials Several cooking courses at the New School and Peter Kump in New York City.
Awards and Honors Honorable Mention for Apicius Scholarship for the 2007 Greenbrier Food Writers Conference
Question What is the best way to clean clams before steaming?
Answer Dear Florence,
Some people like to soak their clams in water that has plenty of cornmeal in it, for a few hours to overnight, to purge the clams of sand. But personally I rarely find this necessary. I just put the clams in a colander under running water and scrub both sides with a stiff brush, while making sure that they are alive and responsive, i.e. that with a squeeze they close up. If the shell stays gapped open they are probably dead and ready for the trash bin.
I hope this was helpful. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.
