It’s really, finally spring here in Little Rhody. Which means it’s mostly rainy and cloudy and brisk, with a few gorgeously bright, warm, sunshiny days sprinkled in to remind us that the page on the calendar is about to turn into Full Blown Summer. It’s prom season, end of school frenzy, what-are-you-doing-this-summer-time, time to switch out winter clothes and shed our winter coats. It’s time to stock up on charcoal and propane and fill your pantry with clam stock and all of the ingredients you need to make this chowda! I find myself unable switch over into Summer Mode without making and indulging in this clam chowder every year, in May. It’s the ultimate Season-Opener comfort food.
Here’s the thing that is often widely unappreciated: even though the harsh winter has ended and we’re looking at soft, hazy days ahead, we really do need some comfort at this transition. It’s a big one. And I’m not ready. Yet. I made this chowder last weekend for Mother’s Day, and I’ll make it again on Memorial Day, and then I’ll be ready to tackle the three-month headlong-sprint that is Summer. We’re talking hearty, quick breakfasts and lunches for hard working, big kids who’ll be on-the-go, working in the heat, on their feet, all day long… we’re talking easy, portable “boat food:” wraps and crackers and cold salads with protein-packed grains, grilled romaine and loads of veggies and high-octane snacks… we’re talking frozen grapes and watermelon, protein shakes, iced coffee and ice cream! We’re talking extra laundry, yard work, house work, washing cars and prepping boats for the season. We’re talking holidays and birthdays, end of year parties, pool parties, beach parties, weddings, bonfires and graduations. Then there’s always work for the adults, sailing and cookouts after work and on weekends, and marathon training for me. You know what I’m talking about: it’s a lot. You’d better sit down and have some hot, creamy chowder before you tackle what’s ahead of you this summer.
I’ll be back soon with more from the Summer Sanity Planning Department…