Basic Steamed Clams Recipe

["1.", "Prepare ""Dip for Clams"" (see recipe).", "2.", "Wash clams, in their shells, under cool running water to remove sand.", "Scrub with a brush if necessary.", "3.", "Place clams on a shallow heatproof platter.", "Steam till clam shells open", "(5 - 10 min).", "See ""How-to Section"".", "4.", "Serve clams in their shells, with the dip on the side.", "NOTE: Clams may also be opened by boiling.", "Pour over boiling water to cover and boil till shells open.", "VARIATIONS:1.", "In step 3, place in a deep heatproof bowl 1 lb.", "fresh spinach, with tough stems removed.", "Sprinkle with 2 Tbsp.", "soy sauce and top with unopened clams.", "Steam as directed.", "2.", "After step 3, shell clams and toss them in the clam dip; then chill to chill.", "3.", "After step 3, shell clams; arrange them on a heatproof platter.", "Pour over amixture of 2 Tbsp.", "soy sauce; 1 Tbsp.", "sherry; 1 leek stalk and 2 slices fresh ginger root, both chopped.", "Steam 5 min more.", "4.", "In the variation above, substitute for the seasoning mix 1 Tbsp.", "shrimp sauce and 1 leek stalk, chopped."]