Grilled Clams with Garlic Butter

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds littleneck clams, well scrubbed (about 24)
• 8 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, divided
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons minced chives
• Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat a grill or Great Grates over medium heat.

Scrub and rinse the clams. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

To make the sauce:

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a 1-quart saucepan over low heat until it is foamy. Add the garlic and saute, stirring, until it is fragrant but does not color, about 30 seconds. Add the white wine and heavy cream, increase the heat to medium-high and reduce by half, about 8 minutes. Add the remaining butter 1 piece at a time, whisking constantly, until the sauce is shiny, emulsified, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the chives and season with salt and pepper. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.

Set up the littleneck clams on the grill or Great Grates or place them directly on the grill. Cook the clams without turning them. As soon as the clams pop open, after 8 to 10 minutes, transfer them carefully with tongs to a platter (or plates) of rock salt. If you are using a Great Grate, this won't be necessary. Use the tongs to pry off the top shells. Spoon 1 teaspoon sauce over each clam and serve immediately.