Clams

Clams are well known, highly-regarded and loved in America yet they have never really found great favour this side of the Atlantic, with the French, Spanish and Portuguese probably the biggest users in Europe. There are many types to choose from, but in my opinion the cockle is far superior to the clam and if you can get them fresh (a task that is almost impossible in Britain), they can be used instead of clams in all of the following recipes. Just like oysters clams can be eaten raw, although you will experience a slightly unpleasant abrasiveness caused by sand if you eat them this way.