Clams Hostetler

My family spent nearly every spring break at the Washington Coast during my childhood. This year I decided to spend my Easter weekend reliving the experience, but was pleasantly surprised to find some appetizing changes. First of all -- and purely through luck -- the weather was warm, sunny, without a cloud in the sky most of the time. Second, there is a winery in Westport now, with more than 30 (!!) wines. Westport Winery has a picturesque setting, with a replica of the Westport lighthouse and a sculpture garden, filled with work from local artists. Each of their wines benefits a different local charity, and the wines themselves were very good! I bought Captain Gray's Gewürztraminer to take back to the cabin, and used it in Clams Hostetler, one of my favorite recipes from Savoring Chelan. It's a wine-based broth for clams; light and fruity, it doesn't overpower their fresh from the sea flavor. It may not be the most typical Easter fare, but it sure worked for me!

 

Clams Hostetler

Contributed to Savoring Chelan: Pairing Wines with Regional Recipes by Karl Koester, winemaker at Four Lakes Winery.

Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Cook time: 5-10 minutes
Serves 4

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 slices diced proscuitto
1/4 cup chopped leeks
8 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 cup Riesling (Four Lakes Riesling recommended)
Juice of one small lime
Dash of red pepper
Salt and pepper
2 pounds manila or butter clams
1/3 cup Italian parsley, chopped

In a large frying pan, simmer olive oil, butter, prosciutto, leeks and garlic for 5 minutes. Add the Riesling, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
Rinse clams, throwing away any that are already open, and add the rest to the broth.
Cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or until all clams have opened. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve in small bowls with your favorite crusty bread to soak up the broth.


Pairs well with:
Four Lakes Winery Estate Riesling (recommended by recipe contributor)
Hard Row to Hoe Viognier
Vin du Lac Barrel Select Chardonnay
Westport Winery Captain Gray's Gewürztraminer